Naomh Conaill referee blunder appeal in Donegal rejected

Ciaran Bonner was incorrectly replaced in the Donegal semi-final after receiving a yellow card and a black card

Sunday's Donegal County Football Final appears set to go ahead after an appeal by beaten semi-finalists Naomh Conaill was rejected on Wednesday night.

Naomh Conaill launched their appeal arising from Glenswilly's Ciaran Bonner incorrectly not being awarded a red card in last weekend's semi-final.

Bonner should have been dismissed in the closing stages after receiving yellow and black cards.

Instead, he was black carded and his replacement scored a late point.

Oisin Crawford's score helped the defending Donegal champions earn a 0-10 to 0-8 victory which set up a decider against St Eunan's this weekend.

Naomh Conaill now have the option of launching a further appeal to the Ulster Council.

Meanwhile, Derry's GAA disciplinary authorities are expected to rule later this week on the disturbances which followed Ballinderry's defeat by Slaughtneil in the recent county football final.

Slaughtneil scored a controversial late goal to defeat last year's Ulster Club Champions and Ballinderry players and supporters protested after the final whistle.

One of the umpires was reported to have sustained a cut eye when match officials, including the referee, were obstructed from reaching the dressing rooms for a time after the game.