THE LEINSTER COUNCIL is expected to wait for the referee’s report before taking any decision on a ‘biting’ allegation in yesterday’s Leinster senior football final.
Furious Meath manager Mick O’Dowd alleged that defender Mickey Burke was bitten by an unnamed Dublin player during the second half in Croke Park.
O’Dowd’s claims are believed to centre on a scuffle in the closing stages of Dublin’s 3-20 to 1-10 win, sparked when Meath captain Kevin Reilly and Dubs forward Eoghan O’Gara tussled for possession.
Referee Padraig Hughes from Armagh booked Burke, O’Gara and Meath keeper Paddy O’Rourke following the melee.
Dublin last night remained tight-lipped about the allegations, made by an “extremely disappointed” O’Dowd following his post-match media briefing.
“I just went back to the dressing room after speaking to you and saw the doctor dealing with his finger,” he said.
“He’s gone to the Dublin dressing room to speak to the Dublin doctor because there’s a protocol to deal with.”
Dublin manager Jim Gavin said he knew nothing about the claims when asked about it immediately after the game.
Discussing the incident on the Sunday Game last night, Kerry legend Tomás Ó Sé said: “I think it should just be forgotten about.”
“We couldn’t see [in the footage] but if there’s a hand around your mouth or whatever it is, what are you going to do?” former Kildare midfielder Dermot Earley added.
Tyrone’s Owen Mulligan said: “If somebody puts their finger in your mouth, what are you going to do – blow it out?”
