Neil McGee: Donegal defender loses appeal against two-match suspension

Neil McGee (left) was red carded late in the first half of Donegal's game against Fermanagh

Donegal defender Neil McGee has lost his appeal against his two-match ban imposed for his sending off in the Ulster SFC win over Fermanagh.

McGee was red carded after being adjudged to have struck Ruairi Corrigan with his arm following an initial foul by the Fermanagh man.

The Central Hearings Committee verdict means McGee is set to miss Saturday's Ulster semi-final against Monaghan.

McGee has the option of a further plea to the Disputes Resolution Authority.

However as it stands, full-back McGee will miss Saturday's game and one other match.

With Donegal possibly welcoming back Karl Lacey, manager Rory Gallagher is optimistic that his team will be able to cope without McGee if the Gweedore man's suspension is upheld by the DRA.

"We'd love to go into the game with Neil. (But) We missed Neil in various games over the years in league and championship and we've coped quite well," said Gallagher.

"Karl didn't tog out the last day but we'd hope he will be fine (for the weekend)," said Donegal manager Rory Gallagher.

2012 Football of the Year Lacey has been bothered by hip, knee and hamstring injuries in recent seasons.

Frank McGlynn and Martin McElhinney picked up minor knocks in the win over the Erne County but both look likely to be fit for Saturday's game at Breffni Park.