Wexford have been dealt a blow ahead of Sunday’s Leinster hurling final with the news that Aidan Nolan has been hit with a two-match ban.
Nolan was red-carded by referee Fergal Horgan in the immediate aftermath of Wexford’s draw with Kilkenny last Saturday week, a result that was enough to send both counties through to the provincial decider at Croke Park.
The Tipperary official reported the player for “abusive language towards a referee” and he was proposed for a two-game ban which he challenged with the Central Hearings Committee, only to have the suspension imposed.
It is believed that Nolan voiced his disapproval to Horgan about his time-keeping amid confusion about the accuracy of the clock on display at the ground, not knowing at that stage that a draw was enough to send Wexford through to the final.
Although he can still take his case to the Central Appeals Committee, as things stand Nolan will miss Sunday’s game as well as Wexford’s subsequent outing, be it an All-Ireland semi-final, quarter-final or Leinster final replay.
His absence weakens manager Davy Fitzgerald’s hand as Wexford bid for a first Leinster title since 2004.
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