Brian Gavin could be banned from refereeing Sunday's All-Ireland SHC semi-final after his hearing was brought forward to last night.

The bizarre situation has arisen after the Offaly Competitions Control Committee (CCC) proposed a one-month suspension for the three-time All-Ireland final referee following comments he made to fellow match official, Padraig Pierce, during the recent Offaly JFC quarter-final between Clara and Kilclonfert.

Gavin, who is chairman of the Clara club, decided to appeal the proposed ban and it was initially thought that his case would be heard by the Offaly Hearings Committee next week.

But following intervention from Croke Park, the case was heard in Tullamore last night and Gavin will find out this morning if he will be free to take charge of the Kilkenny-Waterford clash.

If his ban stands, a replacement referee will have to be found.

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