Armagh's Ulster Championship preparations have been thrown into disarray with news that manager Kieran McGeeney has been handed a 12-week ban.
The Irish Independent claim the ban is a result of an incident during last month's Allianz League Division 3 clash against provincial rivals Antrim. McGeeney is alleged to have become involved in an incident with linesman Joe McQuillan.
In an ill-tempered match at the Athletic Grounds, both teams had players sent off. Armagh would win the game 1-12 to 0-13.
McGeeney has already appealed the decision, according to the Irish Examiner. Despite the appeal, the Central Hearings Committee have upheld the length of the ban.
With Armagh's Ulster Championship due to begin on June 4th against Down, the All-Ireland winner looks set to miss out on manning the sidelines for the Pairc Esler clash.
McGeeney becomes the second high-profile inter-county manager to receive a lengthy ban in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Wexford's hurling manager Davy Fitzgerald was handed an eight-week ban for entering the field of play during his side's Allianz League semi-final against Tipperary.
Although the appeal to the Central Hearings Committee has been upheld, the Armagh manager still has the option of taking his ban to the Disputes Resolution Authority.
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