Davy Fitzgerald Handed Eight Week Ban For 'They Despise Me' Comments

Antrim hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald has been suspended for eight weeks for ‘misconduct considered to have discredited the Association’ following his comments aimed towards referee Johnny Murphy after Antrim’s loss to Galway.

The suspension in question occurred after Galway hammered Antrim by 28 points, with defender Declan McCloskey sent off just before the break for an off-the-ball incident.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio One after the game, Fitzgerald targeted Limerick man Murphy, who was the linesman for the game.

"It was Johnny Murphy that seen it and Johnny Murphy now wouldn't have any time for me anyway - that’s out there," said Fitzgerald.

"Everybody knows that himself and one or two more of them, they actually despise me and that's fine, I can get over that. But don't take it out on the players, you have to see everything."

The Sixmilebridge man requested a hearing, which was held on Friday and the Central Hearings Committee have now confirmed that they found the infraction proven, and have imposed an eight-week ban as a result.

Fitzgerald has the option of appealing against the decision.

It's unclear if the suspension carries over to 2026 or if it be a eight-week suspension straight away which would only affect Fitzgerald if he takes over a club side in the off-season.

As for his future with the Saffrons, the former All-Ireland winning manager and player said he’d take some time out to consider that once the dust settles.

“A friend who has been very good to me persuaded me to come up to Antrim and I never regretted it. I just need a bit of time. I'm not saying I won't, I think you can tell by me I'm just absolutely beat, I'm just tired. So we'll see what happens”.

Time will tell if Davy will be there to help guide Antrim back to Liam MacCarthy level.