96-week ban for fan who invaded pitch at Limerick county football final

Limerick GAA officials have handed Dromcollogher-Broadford supporter Martin Stokes a 96-week ban after he invaded the pitch to confront a Newcastle West player in last weekend’s drawn county football final.

Stokes, father of Dromcollogher-Broadford midfield player Jason, ran on the pitch to physically confront Newcastle West’s James Kelly after he was sent-off for an altercation with his son.

The Limerick GAA’s Competitions Control Committee handed down the suspension after reviewing the referee’s report and photographic evidence of the incident.

Martin Stokes has three days to appeal the decision and should he choose not to do so, he will be unable to attend the final replay, due to take place on Friday.

Stokes will be banned from attending games and from playing any role on club committees on mentoring any team.

County board officials went on to confirm that supporters will be confined to the main stand at the Gaelic Grounds for the replay, in order to prevent any further ugly scenes.