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In the dock

Cavanagh expects sanctions after 'nonsense' in Armagh Cavan parade brawl

Sunday’s Ulster championship quarter-final was marred by the scenes before throw-in.

Presseye / William Cherry/INPHO Presseye / William Cherry/INPHO / William Cherry/INPHO

SEAN CAVANAGH EXPECTS the GAA to issue sanctions to Armagh and Cavan after the brawl that erupted before Sunday’s Ulster quarter-final.

“I think it was nonsense what went on and I’ve no doubt that Croke Park will come down and issue sanctions.

“Obviously it was an isolated incident on Sunday. I have been watching football for 15 or 20 years and I’ve never (seen that).

“The worst thing that happened to me was walking along the parade and somebody hitting you maybe a bit of a shoulder. It was shocking to be honest, seeing the scenes. It’s silly from the players’ and teams’ point of view.”

The altercation is believed to have stemmed from a dispute as to which side each team should have lined up on and Cavanagh admitted that he is unclear of the ruling.

“I had to do it the first day out against Down and I genuinely didn’t know where to go. It actually isn’t communicated what side you’re supposed to walk on because I remember having top ask one of the officials whether it was inside or outside.

“And he said ‘oh well, you’re the home team so maybe walk on the inside’. But it was just random. I think this will bring it to a head where by it’s issued that whatever is allocated on that side has to stay at that side.”

Presseye / William Cherry/INPHO Presseye / William Cherry/INPHO / William Cherry/INPHO

Cavanagh revealed that it’s a tradition that players simply adhere to when their focus is on the game ahead.

“The tradition of the GAA is that you walk the parade and sometimes as a player, you’d wonder what the benefit is.  I grew up watching it at big matches in Clones and it just was one of those things you do on a big day with the Artane or whatever band is playing.

“I remember a few years ago, they took out pulling your socks up and that was nonsense because some like it up and some down. It’s one of those traditions still hanging about. As a player, you don’t put much emphasis on, you just want to get it out of the way rather than pay much heed to it.”

Kevin Dundon and Sean Cavanagh Sean Cavanagh at yesterday's SuperValu launch of the All-Ireland championship. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Mass brawl as Armagh beat Cavan in the Ulster SFC quarter-final

Some video footage of yesterday’s schemozzle between Armagh and Cavan

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