Multi-year bans given to players after mass brawl involving fans in Wicklow SFC

This is shocking.

There have been huge bans handed out to players from Rathnew GAA, following a brawl last month.

On August 30, a huge fight broke out in the closing minutes of the Wicklow SFC quarter-final between Rathnew and Carnew Emmets.

The incident took place mostly in the terrace at Echelon Park in Aughrim, with a number of spectators involved as well.

It was reported at the time that at least one fan needed hospital treatment.

As detailed by the Wicklow People, five Rathnew players have been handed severe punishments, with their bans ranging from three to five years, and at least one member receiving the latter sanction.

Wicklow GAA Chairperson Damien Byrne said: “The deliberations will be sent to clubs by the CCC disciplinary.

“It is only right to let the clubs digest and deal with these matters internally, and no one in the GAA organisation condones this sort of behaviour. But I would ask that clubs are given time to deal with this situation.”