Jim McGuinness and David Clifford to avoid bans after Kerry-Donegal melee

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness and Kerry forward David Clifford will not be banned after the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) opted against taking further action regarding the counties’ melee in Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC round one game.

After the hooter sounded to signal half-time in Killarney, an altercation between both sets of players broke out with Donegal’s Ryan McHugh left bloodied after being struck by Kerry’s Micheal Burns.

McGuinness appeared to push Kerry’s Diarmuid O’Connor as tempers flared, with Burns sent off by referee Sean Hurson before the start of the second period.

Hurson spoke at length to McGuinness and Kerry boss Jack O’Connor before the start of the second half, instructing them to send their substitutes and assistant coaches to the stands before the start of the second half.

It is understood the CCCC has opted against imposing sanctions after receiving Hurson’s report.

Dublin manager Ger Brennan is currently serving a 12-week ban for ‘physical interference with an opposing player or team official’ during his side’s league game against Galway in March when clashing with Galway coach Cian Breathnach McGinn.

However, unlike McGuinness, Brennan was sent off following the altercation.

Kerry forward Clifford will also escape suspension for appearing to hit out at Donegal’s Caolan McGonagle in an off-the-ball incident in the first half.

Donegal went on to win the game 2-20 to 0-16 at Fitzgerald Stadium.