Donegal CCC to probe McLoone attack

July 05, 2011

Donegal's Leo McLoone
Donegal disciplinary chiefs are set to investigate an ugly melee during last Sunday's SFC clash between Naomh Conaill and Glenswilly which left county player Leo McLoone with a double fracture of his eye socket.

McLoone was allegedly struck from behind at the end of his Naomh Conaill side's one-point defeat to Glenswilly. Eyes witnesses have said that a player from Naomh Conaill and a mentor from Glenswilly clashed in the middle of the pitch following referee Seamus McGonigle's final whistle. This led to a mass brawl, involving up to 50 people, breaking out just yards away.

McLoone, who came off the bench in Donegal's Ulster SFC semi-final win over Tyrone, will now miss the provincial decider against Derry on Sunday week, July 17.

The 21-year-old defender, who scored a late goal in Sunday's game, was rushed to hospital for surgery afterwards. Donegal GAA officials are awaiting the referee's report, with county board secretary Aodh Máirtín Ó Fearraigh promising a 'thorough investigation'.

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness has condemned his county board's decision to play last weekend's club games so close to the Ulster final.

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