In what is believed to be a first for the GAA, the Derry CCC have handed down a 48 week ban for comments made on social media. Derry county player, Aaron Devlin, is one of three Ballinderry players to receive a 48 week ban in the aftermath of the club's Derry SFC final defeat to Slaughtneil.
Michael Conlon and Gareth McKinless have been banned for their part in the brawl which erupted at the end of the match after Ballinderry felt referee Anthony Campbell awarded Slughtneil a goal that shouldn't have allowed. Devlin's suspension is believed to relate to a tweet sent in the aftermath of the incident.
According to the Irish Times, the tweet in question is believed to have included threatening language towards the officials. That tweet has since been deleted, however, this one was also sent in relation to the officials on the same day of the game. (Just to be clear, this is not believed to be the tweet that resulted in his ban)
All the hatred towards us coming out now....hard to beat 15 players aswel as a referee and a ginger linesman!
— Aaron Devlin (@Aaron_Devlin) October 19, 2014
The club is considering appeals for the respective bans.
