Loughgiel and St John's hit with bans after brawl

Loughgiel and St John's have been hit with bans following the on-field brawl after the 12 September Senior Hurling Championship clash between the clubs.

The Group One game, which Loughgiel won 0-30 to 3-14 at their Fr Healy Park home to secure top spot and a direct route into the semi-finals, was streamed live and the footage has been central to the fast-moving investigation.

County champions St John's have four players and one official served including defender Ryan McNulty who has been handed a one-game ban, while Loughgiel have three hit including Dan McCloskey - also for one game.

An official from each club have each been handed 12-week suspension for their part in the ugly scenes.

All of those named have 48 hours to appeal with St John's due to face Glenariffe at the quarter-final stage in Ballymena on Saturday [16:00 BST].

Loughgiel have a wider time frame as they await their semi-final opponents on 10/11 October, which is likely to be either Cushendall or Ballycastle who meet in Dunloy on Sunday [16:00].

A second investigation is ongoing, focusing on the trouble on the terraces is said to be at "an advanced stage" and will be concluded "as soon as possible" according to a source.

In this instance, the proposed penalties have the potential to be severe but as of now, no final decision on club sanctions has been taken.