DRA upholds Dublin boss Brennan's 12 week suspension

Ger Brennan will be absent from the sidelines for Dublin's Leinster SFC opener against Wicklow in Aughrim on Sunday after the Dispute Resolution Authority upheld his 12-week suspension.

The ban arose from a red card issued to Brennan for his part in a fracas with Galway strength and conditioning coach Cian Breathnach McGinn during Dublin's league defeat to the Tribesmen at Pearse Stadium, a result which saw the Dubs relegated from Division 1.

Breathnach McGinn was handed an eight-week suspension for his part in the incident.

Brennan initially appealed the ban which was upheld by the GAA's Central Hearings Committee. He then took the appeal to the Central Appeals Committee which was also unsuccessful.

The DRA hearing was the last option for Brennan but after a five-hour hearing this morning, his appeal was rejected.

The Dublin boss will be absent for the entirety of side's Leinster Championship campaign and for the first round of the All-Ireland series. Dean Rock, who is part of the management team, will deputise for Brennan in the interim.

A statement from Dublin GAA outlined their "disappointed at the outcome of the case", while accepting that Brennan should have received a sanction for his actions.

"We will await the written judgement with interest and give due examination and consideration to changes required to improve the fairness and proportionality of our disciplinary system within our association," the statement went on to say.

Ger Brennan did, at all times, accept that he should receive some sanction for last month's incident. However, the weight of the penalty imposed on a volunteer member is an unduly heavy burden.

"Dean Rock will continue to deputise for Ger Brennan in the interim.

"We shall make no further comment at this time but Ger Brennan, the management team and our entire senior football panel have our continued support as we commence our championship campaign on Sunday."

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