Clare hurler Brendan Bugler has lost his appeal against a two-match ban imposed by the Central Hearings Committee, following his sending-off against Dublin in the league.

The Whitegate hurler was shown a straight red card by Cork’s Cathal McAllister following an off-the-ball incident in the first-half. He was subsequently given a two-match ban, as he had been previously shown a red card inside the last 12 months.

The appeal was heard by the Central Appeals Committee last evening.

“Having heard and considered all submissions and evidence of witnesses on behalf of the appellant and the decision-maker, the CAC upheld the decision of the CHC and rejected the appeal”, according to a statement issued by Croke Park.

The decision is a further blow to Clare’s hopes of retaining Division 1 status for next season, as he will now miss Sunday’s relegation play-off with Kilkenny.

By Seamus Hayes