Armagh have strenuously denied reports that Paul Duggan has resigned as county chairman in the wake of the racist allegations involving Ciaran McKeever.

There were widespread rumours yesterday that the chairman had quit his position after Croke Park officials had vented their fury with the Orchard County for releasing a statement to the media before consulting with them. Armagh alleged in the statement that team captain McKeever had been the victim of "racist and personal abuse", without specifying who had been responsible, during last Sunday's controversial Allianz Football League clash against Laois in O'Moore Park.

"That's not true. The chairman has not resigned," Armagh secretary Patrick Og Nugent said.

It's believed Duggan was on the verge of quitting as chairman before being persuaded to continue by his fellow executive members on the Armagh county board.

Armagh are demanding a Croke Park investigation into concerns that their players are not being protected from what they described as "racist abuse".

The GAA issued a statement yesterday which read: "No indication of claims of taunts and remarks towards Armagh players in last weekend's Allianz League game has been provided by the Armagh county board to the GAA at central level yet.

"The GAA treats claims of this nature with the seriousness that they deserve and will examine any incident brought to its attention.

"Our games are for all and our abhorrence of racist or sectarian behavior was reflected in the amendment of our Official Guide two years ago which outlines our "anti-racist and anti-sectarian stance." Tweet

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