Dublin manager Ger Brennan has revealed he feels "disenfranchised, undervalued and a lack of belonging to the association" as he hit back at comments made by GAA president Jarlath Burns yesterday, describing them as insulting.
The Dubs boss has been serving a long suspension following an incident with Galway's strength-and-conditioning coach during an Allianz Football League fixture in March.
Brennan has issued a lengthy statement through a solicitor to respond to Burns, who claimed yesterday that it was "irrational" to compare Brennan's exchange and that of Donegal boss Jim McGuinness who escaped punishment when he came on to the field at half-time of Donegal's SFC round-one win over Kerry last Saturday week and appeared to push Diarmuid O'Connor.
This statement follows the comments of Niall Moyna this morning, who described Burns' comments as 'disingenuous'.
Brennan, through his legal team said, he did not want to publicise his case and has not made any public comment since the match in Galway but now feels "compelled to do so" following Burns’ interview on RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland.
Conor Sally, representing Brennan, said: "My client dealt with the entire strands of the GAA disciplinary process concerning his infraction in private forums and was extremely surprised at the public comments made yesterday.
"It is also noteworthy that at hearing, appeal and at the DRA, the outcomes were reported in the media within minutes of the decisions being conveyed to him. In addition, the DRA written decision has yet to be released to the parties, yet extracts have inexplicably in recent weeks appeared in a national newspaper."
He added that Brennan had accepted wrongdoing and apologised for his actions.
Through the process, Dublin had argued that the Galway backroom team member had not been listed as an official and as a result a lesser infraction was more appropriate.
Comparing the McGuinness incident to Brennan, which the GAA chief said was irrational to do so, the Dublin manager’s legal team questioned Burns’ approach, particularly when referencing the red card and the working of the CCCC.
Burns said on Monday: "Whenever the CCCC meet, they have to then say 'whatever sanction we impose, let’s say retrospectively, if the referee has decided not to act upon it, will that pass hearings, appeals and the DRA?’
"They have to be cognisant of that because there’s nothing more embarrassing than something done in good faith by CCCC and then losing it at hearings."
Sally, representing Brennan said: "Mr Burns has now sought to infer that my client’s infraction was "different" in that it he received a red card and has referred to the referees’ report as "sacrosanct".
"My client considers the description of 'irrational’ in respect of comparisons with his case and another incident in another game as insulting to those holding that widely held view.
"Moreover, he is further concerned that the Uachtarán stated that "it's more embarrassing for the CCCC to lose a case" brought by it at hearing, appeal, or DRA.
"Natural justice of course dictates that justice ought to be done and no CCC should ever be ‘embarrassed’ at an infraction brought not being proven.
"Indeed, the GAA’s own disciplinary handbook at page 16 states "…the process is about getting the right answer, not 'winning' or 'losing'."
Brennan was further annoyed by talk that his ban would be over later this month, saying it will roll into next year’s league. His solicitor described his suspension as "draconian".
"Following the 12-week draconian ban….Mr Brennan remains further suspended for 30% of the NFL in 2027. Others can and will no doubt judge if this is fair, proportionate or balanced in the context of how the CCCC process all alleged infractions. My client is most concerned, that in his view, a consistent and equitable approach is unfortunately not being applied to every team, player and manager by the CCCC, in dealing with disciplinary matters arising."
Brennan is heartened, however, by verbal confirmation from the Uachtarán to Dublin GAA last week, that Ard Comhairle intends considering the fairness of the penalty for the infraction listed bringing a motion to Congress 2027, to amend or alter the penalty.
The Dublin great feels the ban has been a major burden in his life with his legal counsel explaining: "As a result of his suspension however, his family have suffered, his son’s underage team have been a coach short, the Dublin Senior Football team have been severely prejudiced, and he himself has been personally affected.
"He feels disenfranchised, undervalued and a lack of belonging to the association given the events of the past three months. These views were indeed conveyed privately by email to Uachtarán, Ard-stiúrthóir and the CCCC, in advance of yesterday’s public comments.
"It is important however that the above facts of the matter are known publicly given the comments made by the association and the subsequent inaccuracies reported in the media yesterday and today, concerning my client and his case."
Brennan’s solicitor said his client would also welcome the GAA "publicly putting the record straight" as he thanks his family and Dublin GAA fans for their support.
