Monaghan launch investigation into Drew Wylie abuse claim

Monaghan are to launch an investigation into an incident during a club game which was abandoned on Sunday in protest over alleged sectarian abuse.

County champions Ballybay walked off ten minutes into the second-half of a league match against Magheracloone.

Ballybay refused to complete the game after one of their players, Monaghan county player Drew Wylie, was verbally abused by an opponent in Iniskeen.

Wylie reported the incident to club officials after receiving a red card.

The player was sent-off ten minutes into the second-half and immediately informed Ballybay of the alleged abuse. His team-mates walked off moments later.

A Monaghan county board spokesman confirmed to BBC Sport NI that an investigation will now be launched by their Competitions Control Committee.

"The referee's report has been lodged with us today (Monday) and we are following due process," he said.

"We have a planned county committee meeting tonight (Monday) and I'm sure the incident will be raised."

Players from both clubs will be involved in Monaghan's Ulster senior championship tie against Antrim on 9 June at Casement Park.

Manager Malachy O'Rourke has confirmed Castleblayney forward Dermot Malone is a major doubt for the game with a knee injury.

Tommy Freeman has been given the all-clear to resume contact training after recovering from a broken jaw.