Mickey Harte acknowledges that Devlin is a key Tyrone player

Tyrone boss Mickey Harte has claimed recent precedent dictates that Gavin Devlin should not be suspended despite an apparent stamping incident in Sunday's NFL final.

Harte hopes to have the key player available for Sunday week's Ulster Championship game against Derry.

However Devlin could be called in front of the GAA's disciplinary body, the Games Administration Committee, to answer a charge that he stamped on Laois' Colm Parkinson.

If Devlin is found guilty of stamping, he could be given as much as a three-month ban which would rule him out of the entire Ulster Championship.

TV evidence appeared to show Devlin stamping on the Laois forward in the first half of the League decider.

After being alerted to the incident by an umpire, referee Michael Collins only yellow-carded the Ardboe defender which surprised many observers.

However, Harte feels the issue should now be regarded as closed.

"It's not for me to judge but the referee and match officials dealt with the incident on the day," said the Tyrone boss.

It's a pity that this gets so much coverage in a game which lasts 70 minutes Mickey Harte

"My understanding is that a similar incident in the Kilkenny v Tipperary (National League) hurling match was dealt with in a similar fashion.

"The GAC met on it and accepted the referee's decision on the day.

"I would like to think with the fact that precedent has been set, that the case will be the same for Gavin".

Harte claimed the controversy was a case of "trial by television".

"It's a pity that this gets so much coverage in a game which lasts 70 minutes.

"But I suppose these are the things that capture the attention of certain people".

"We didn't get as much coverage after the game of the entire match or the good football that was played by both teams.

He's definitely an essential player in our team Mickey Harte

"But I suppose these are the things that capture the attention of certain people".

Harte admitted that Devlin has become a key player for Tyrone in a position which has been something of a problem area for the county in recent years.

"Gavin Devlin has made the position his own and lots of people have become aware of the good player that he is.

"He is such a good team player.

"His individual skills are of a high level and he's good for the whole backline.

"His manages the team from the back as well as playing his own part so he's definitely an essential player in our team".