Wexford clubs expelled from championship

Two Wexford clubs have been banished from the County U-21 hurling championship following the controversial ending to their opening round championship game.

The Buffers Alley v St. Martin's game played more than four weeks ago in Piercestown was abandoned 10 minutes from the end with the Alley leading 2-16 to 1-8, when players, supporters and club officials became embroiled in a full scale row that left referee Justin Heffernan with no option but to call an early end to the game.

Following the receipt of the Referees Report, a sub-committee of the County Competitions Control Committee decided to expel both teams from the county championship title race.

The Committee also informed both clubs that they each had been fined €3000 for their involvement in the scenes that led to the abandoning of the game.

The referee who fled the pitch to the car, refusing to restart the game despite the appeals of chasing Buffers Alley players, submitted a detailed report outlining the violent scenes that took place.

Despite the scenes, and the alleged striking of a St. Martin's player, William Devereux, by a Buffers Alley linesman and club player, only one suspension was handed down.

The official in question was not punished. However the committee suspended St. Martin 's player, James Boggan, who was sent off on a straight red card earlier in the game, for one month.

The St. Martin's Club met on Wednesday night to discuss the decision, while Buffers Alley are also likely to meet regarding the decision to expel them from the championship.

Both clubs are quite annoyed at the severity of the punishment and are likely to appeal the decision which will delay the championship even further.