Davey Byrne is not going to be able to play in a provincial final this weekend for Dublin, because he was badly injured in an off the ball incident in a challenge game last week against Armagh.
But it seems the GAA have no problem with that, and neither do Jim Gavin or Kieran McGeeney.
The Ballymun player was preparing to try and make an impression in the match last week, and perhaps force his way into Gavin’s thoughts for Sunday’s clash with Westmeath, when he was taken out of the game before throw-in by an attack that left him with a broken eye socket and other facial injuries.
He spent two nights in hospital, but according to various newspaper reports today, the GAA have decided that the incident does not warrant any sort of investigation.
According to the Daily Star, the CCCC did get in touch with the referee on the night, Laois’ Fergal Kelly, but since speaking to him they will not be pursuing the matter any further.
What an absolute disgrace.
A disgrace an Armagh player could inflict that kind of injury on an opponent, whatever the circumstances.
A disgrace that Dublin haven’t come out and protected their player by demanding justice.
A disgrace that the GAA, by their silence, effectively endorse the kind of thuggery you’d associate with the 1980’s.
How do Byrne’s team-mates feel right now?
And what kind of message does it send out that you can hit a player before a game and get away with it?
Incidents will happen in matches, and there will always be flare-ups and bad belts and most players can give as good as they get.
By all accounts the challenge game was a tough affair, and there is nothing wrong with aggression when it’s used correctly.
And we don’t know all the circumstances around the incident.
But what we can say is that a man has probably had his season ruined by an attack before a game and the GAA or GPA appear to have no problem with it.
The GAA is supposedly all for its players and about player welfare.
Try telling that to Davey Byrne as he watches this week’s Leinster final through his one good eye.
