Kilmacud Crokes may have to hand back title as…

Kilmacud Crokes may have to hand back title as All-Ireland controversy rumbles on

We are five days removed from the controversial conclusion of the All-Ireland club final between Kilmacud Crokes and Glen, yet the situation is no less vague.

In the dying moments of the biggest game in club football, Crokes somehow ended up with 16 men on the pitch during a crucial play, with the Leinster champions ultimately winning by two points on a scoreline of 1-11 to 1-9.

After the GAA's insistence that they would not get involved unless there was an objection to the outcome of the game, Glen duly called Croke Park's bluff.

The case is now in the hands of the CCCC, which is expected to convene next week, with a replay considered to be the most likely verdict.

But even so, don't expect a swift resolution. Reports indicate that Crokes intend to counter appeal, and as was phrased in one report, would rather give back the trophy than play for it again.

However, as the old saying goes be careful what you wish for, because forfeiture of the title is a genuine possibility.

In any other sport, a simple matter like having too many players on the pitch would be a cut-and-dry affair. Unsurprisingly, the notoriously vague GAA rulebook is once again lacking clarity when it comes to this issue.

The rule in question is the much talked about 'rule 6.44b,' the rule that covers breaches including having too many players on the field or making too many substitutions.

So what are the penalties for having too many men on the field? Well, there are a number of possible outcomes depending on whether a ruling comes from 'a proven objection' (like the one Glen have made), or 'an Inquiry by the Committee-in-Charge.'

The possible penalties for a proven objection are (i) a replay, (ii) awarding of the game to the opposition, or (iii) a fine. The penalty chosen will be selected 'depending on the circumstances.'

This means that should the CCCC agree with Glen's objection, then the penalty handed down to Kilmacud Crokes will either be a fine, the forfeiture of the game or the ordering of a replay of the game.

Both a fine and forfeiture appear to be unlikely outcomes however, especially considering that what happened on Sunday is more of an error by the officiating team than any untoward action by Kilmacud Crokes.

And even if it is deemed a Crokes error, the line in the rulebook 'depending on the circumstances,' gives the Stillorgan club some wiggle room to argue the fact.

The fact that the error was pointed out to officials at the time by Glen manager Malachy O'Rourke and, that the 45 in question wasn't retaken adds credence to this argument.

All logic suggests a replay is the likely outcome. But even this raises questions as to when the game will be played. The National leagues start this weekend and bar a couple of weekends over the next few months, intercounty sides will be in action.

Regardless of what outcome the CCCC come to, one thing for certain is that there is no end in sight to this controversy.

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