Waterford selector Dan Shanahan feels that Stephen Bennett may have avoided a suspension only for an incident being highlighted on the Sunday Game.

The RTE GAA programme has come under fire this week after Dublin manager Jim Gavin lambasted pundit Pat Spillane for his criticism of the Diarmuid Connolly saga that resulted in the Dublin forward being handed a 12-week suspension for a push on linesman Ciaran Brannigan.

In the defeat to Cork, Bennett was caught on camera grabbing the faceguard of Cork's Damien Cahalane, which is a red card offence. However, the incident was not seen by any of the match officials and the CCCC handed the talented forward a one-match ban.

Bennett will now miss Saturday's SHC qualifier against Offaly and Shanahan told the Waterford News & Star that he felt the Sunday Game had influenced the CCCC.

"I heard Jim Gavin on the radio talking about the CCCC and I don't know if Stephen would have been penalised if it wasn't highlighted on the Sunday Game to be honest with you," said Shanahan.

"We'll take it on the chin. Some other lad will come in and do the job and hopefully we'll have Stephen back for the next day."

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