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Counties bid to clear Sweeney and Bellew

Raymond Sweeney is sent off during last Sunday's bruising encounter
Raymond Sweeney is sent off during last Sunday's bruising encounter

Donegal's Adrian Sweeney and Armagh's Francie Bellew have requested a hearing from the GAA's central disciplinary committee in an effort to have the red cards they picked up in last Saturday's Ulster Senior Football Championship replay rescinded.

It's expected that hearing will take place tomorrow.

The counties' respective managers, Brian McEniff and Joe Kernan, will be hoping for a favourable outcome with both teams in action again this weekend.

Donegal take on Wicklow in the first round of the qualifiers while Armagh face Derry in their provincial semi-final.

A clash with Kieran McGeeney prompted Laois referee Maurice Deegan to dismiss Sweeney, however, Donegal manager Brian McEniff believes the incident warranted nothing more than a yellow card.

Armagh are hoping television footage can clear Bellew's name. They are not, however, contesting the decision to give Paddy McKeever his marching orders.

Whatever about Sweeney, McEniff will definitely be without the suspended Kevin Cassidy (sent off in the first game), while Brendan Devenney (ankle) and Raymond Sweeney (chest infection) are doubtful.

Kernan has a doubt over star attacker Ronan Clarke (back).

Armagh's opponents, Derry, will be missing Paul Bradley (knee) and are expected to confirm Niall McCusker's absence later in the week (pelvis).

Johnny McBride (elbow) and Paul McFlynn (knee and hip), though, are both reportedly winning their fitness battles for the game.

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