Moy Tír na nÓg will appeal the decision of Tyrone GAA.
Moy Tír na nÓg will appeal against the decision made by the
Tyrone County Board, which ruled that the injuries suffered by Seán Cavanagh in a recent championsip clash with Edendork were adjudicated on appropriately.
Cavanagh sustained concussion and a number of facial injuries in the Tyrone senior football championship first round clash between Moy and Edendork - he was also brought to hospital via an ambulance after suffering the injuries in an incident during the game.
Officials ruled at the weekend that the incidents merited no sanction on the field and the referee was subsequently backed after an investigation by the Tyrone Competitions Control Committee.
Tyrone CCC released a statement on Saturday and said it believed the referee had acted appropriately by imposing no sanction at the time of the incident.
"Tyrone GAA has now completed its investigation into the incident during the course of the senior football championship fixture - Edendork vs Moy - in which Sean Cavanagh incurred a serious head injury," said the statement.
"The Tyrone Competitions Control Committee (CCC), on request, considered the referee's report of the game and viewed a video recording of the incident in which Sean was injured. The CCC was satisfied that the referee was well-positioned, in clear view of the incident, and adjudicated on the matter appropriately."
Edendork, who won the match by a point, released their own statement saying they had sought legal advice about the coverage of the game in the media afterwards. They believe that the reputation of both the club and the player involved in Cavanagh's injury had been defamed.
Having had the opportunity to view the footage, Moy Tír na nÓg released the following statement on Tuesday night.
"On 24th September 2018, members of the Committee of Moy Tír na nÓg had a first opportunity to view the video footage of the match between Moy and Edendork St. Malachy’s played on 15th September 2018, during which Seán Cavanagh sustained a broken nose and concussion.
"Having considered this video, Moy Tír na nÓg G.A.C expresses its disappointment and dismay with the outcome of the investigation by the Competitions Control Committee of the Tyrone County Board, issued on Saturday 22nd September 2018, that the referee “…adjudicated on the matter appropriately”. The cause of the clash that led to the injuries could and should have been avoided. The mark had been taken by Seán Cavanagh and signalled by the referee directly before the incident."
The statement adds: "Rule 7.2 Category 3 (iv) ‘Behaving in a way that is dangerous to an opponent’ is a red card offence. As a first stage in the appeal process, Moy Tír na nÓg G.A.C has requested to Tyrone County Board that the referee and the linesmen who officiated on 15th September 2018 review the footage again to reconsider their opinion. Moy Tír na nÓg G.A.C expresses its disapproval of the derogatory online comments made against both clubs and the players involved, and appeals for restraint and moderation in the expression of legitimate views and opinions."
"The health, safety and well-being of all our playing members is of the utmost importance to our club. We wish Edendork St. Malachy's G.A.C. well in their Championship match this Friday, 28th September 2018."
