Donegal angry over 'bite' sustained by Paddy McBrearty in Dubs game

Donegal annoyance at their League relegation has been increased by an alleged bite suffered by Paddy McBrearty in Sunday's draw with Dublin.

McBrearty needed treatment for a cut shoulder, which he sustained in the first half at Ballybofey.

Donegal officials said that the injury was reported to the match referee and that Dublin had also been made aware of the matter.

Dublin's team doctor was also shown McBrearty's injury after the game.

Despite Donegal's claims, Dublin county chairman Andy Kettle said on Tuesday that his county was still waiting to be officially contacted about the controversy.

The Dublin chairman also added that the Dublin doctor had expressed the opinion that McBrearty's injury looked to be a "bruise, not a laceration".

Despite Kettle's comments, the GAA's Central Competitions Control Committee is expected to launch an investigation into the matter.

McBrearty's shoulder was treated at half-time and following the Ballybofey contest and the Kilcar club-man was then taken to Letterkenny Hospital for a further assessment.

Donegal county board secretary Aodh Mairtin O'Fearraigh confirmed that the match officials and Dublin had been made aware of McBrearty's cut.

McBrearty is also a key player for the Donegal Under-21s who face Cavan in Wednesday's Ulster Final against Cavan at Brewster Park.

Donegal's draw against the Dubs saw the All-Ireland champions being consigned to relegation from Division 1.

The main talking point following the game was substitute referee Michael Duffy's decision not to award a penalty in the 62nd minute after Rory Kavanagh looked to have been fouled by Jason Whelan.

Substitute referee Michael Duffy, who had replaced injured Padraig Hughes, merely awarded a 45 after the challenge, much to the consternation of the Donegal players and supporters.

Ryan McHugh is already a major Donegal fitness doubt for the provincial Under-21 decider.

McHugh, a son of former Donegal great Martin McHugh, missed Sunday's game against the Dubs because of a calf muscle injury and was having a scan on Monday in the hope of getting the all-clear to line out at Enniskillen.