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Armagh Assistant manager Paul Grimley confronts referee Michael Duffy after Sunday's game. ©INPHO/Lorraine O'Sullivan

Armagh back down from Portlaoise 'racism' allegations

The Armagh County Board has agreed that Monday’s strongly-worded statement was not an accurate reflection of the row in O’Moore Park.

THE ARMAGH COUNTY BOARD has this evening backed down from allegations that their players were racially abused during their NFL Division 1 match against Laois.

Representatives from both counties met this evening to discuss the fall-out from Sunday’s row in O’Moore Park, after Armagh issued a statement on Monday which suggested that there was a “racist” element to a flashpoint involving captain Ciarán McKeever.

McKeever was shown a straight red card by referee Michael Duffy in the tunnel at half-time following a clash with a Laois player. In their statement, the Orchard county board said that ”the chanting of ‘God Save the Queen’ and malign taunting of ‘British Bastard’ has no place either on or off the field of play.”

Laois denied the claims and although both counties now acknowledge that there were “inappropriate verbal exchanges” between players, Armagh have agreed that Monday’s statement was not an accurate reflection of Sunday’s incident.

Both sides have pledged to address the behaviour with their respective panels.

A joint statement issued by both counties through the GAA this evening read as follows:

“A meeting of representatives of Armagh and Laois County Boards took place today to discuss last Sunday’s Allianz League Football game in O’Moore Park, Portlaoise.

“It was agreed that allegations made by Armagh County Board in their statement do not accurately reflect what occurred in O’Moore Park.

“It is acknowledged by both Boards that inappropriate verbal exchanges took place between players during the game and this will be addressed with our respective panels.

“Both Laois and Armagh are committed to the playing of our games in the best possible spirit and look forward to the continuation of a keen, sporting rivalry.”

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    Mute The Upside-down Triangle
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    Jun 20th 2019, 4:39 PM

    I’m always hearing about this guy ranting on the court. I’ve come to the conclusion that I think he may have some serious mental health problems, and needs to get some help.

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    Mute Adam Newman
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    Jun 20th 2019, 5:07 PM

    @The Upside-down Triangle: could be just a tool

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    Mute Ger
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    Jun 21st 2019, 3:18 AM

    @Adam Newman: bit of both I think.

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    Mute Eoin Lawlor
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    Jun 20th 2019, 4:37 PM

    W@nker

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    Mute Just Some Guy
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    Jun 20th 2019, 5:20 PM

    Waster he is

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    Mute Sean Deegan
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    Jun 20th 2019, 6:04 PM

    Was the ball actually out?

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    Mute Richard O'Brien
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    Jun 20th 2019, 6:38 PM

    To be fair, sometimes you just have to call out a bad hat.

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    Mute Dave O Keeffe
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    Jun 20th 2019, 10:30 PM

    @Richard O’Brien: not while wearing that outfit!

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    Mute John kane
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    Jun 20th 2019, 4:54 PM

    An awful gimp of a chap

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    Mute JohnGunning
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    Jun 20th 2019, 6:33 PM

    He’s correct about the hat. Is he also correct about the out decision?

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    Mute Brian Connolly
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    Jun 20th 2019, 6:32 PM

    He may be an awful eejit but he draws some huge crowds and easily one of the most entertaining players on tour, shame he’ll never make the most of his potential

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    Mute Noel Lynn
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    Jun 20th 2019, 9:51 PM

    Remember the crowds flocked to McEnroe matches more to witness the rants than his ability

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    Mute E.D.Roche
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    Jun 20th 2019, 10:08 PM

    @Noel Lynn: McEnroe on his worst day was never as bad as this headcase. He’s toxic and disruptive and previous disciplinaries have done nothing. He should be kicked off the tour for a season and be made prove himself with a clean record for another couple of years after. No player or official should have to put up with a second of his cr@p.

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