JOE CANNING IS set to face a time-based suspension rather than a match-based one if the red card he received in yesterday’s exhibition match in Sydney is upheld.
Canning was in action for Galway against Kilkenny in the Wild Geese Trophy match, which his side won after a free-taking competition as the match had finished level, 4-23 to 3-26.
The 2017 Hurler of the Year, who recently won his fifth All-Star award, scored 0-7 in the match but was sent-off by referee James Owens after a high challenge on Kilkenny’s Enda Morrissey in the 54th minute.
Joe Canning saw red in Sydney. Watch highlights of the Wild Geese Trophy game between Galway and Kilkenny tonight at 8.0pm on RTÉ2. pic.twitter.com/YFCsapCmSR
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) November 11, 2018
“Obviously you’re just watching it and the speed of the game, it’s hard to call,” remarked Galway boss Micheál Donoghue afterwards.
“Look, until we see it again we’ll hold judgement on it.”
Kilkenny manager Brian Cody reported that Morrissey was ‘fine’ after the incident.
“He’s okay, he got caught by a shoulder on the nose but he’ll be fine. To be honest, I didn’t see it at all.
“No one wants to see anybody sent off. Joe Canning is a terrific player and I’d always prefer to see him stay on the field. I really didn’t see the incident. I was probably looking away at something else at the time for our own players.”
Donoghue described the experience as ‘overwhelming and humbling’ as Galway featured in the match at Spotless Stadium in Homebush as part of the Sydney Irish Festival.
“We were very mindful of where we were and the distance that we travelled. There’s a clear understanding in this group of the responsibility that goes with wearing this jersey. They spoke about that at half-time and came out and gave a great performance.
“But I think ultimately this whole week and today was just about promoting our game. In terms of the winning and losing, obviously we’re all very competitive and want to win it, but I think it was about promoting our game here in Australia and the reception and welcome we’ve gotten since we arrived has been overwhelming and humbling.
“We’re just delighted to be here and hopefully winning it means we can come back again.”
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