BBC SPORT | N Ireland | McCague wants Rules clean-up

GAA supremo Sean McCague has said on-pitch violence is threatening the future of the International Rules games between Ireland and Australia.

Last Sunday's first Test at Croke Park contained a series of late challenges and skirmishes.

McCague said the incidents should not be exaggerated but he said the International Rules series was always on trial.

"There will be no series if it deteriorates into indiscipline," McCague said.

A linesman intervenes as Ireland's Ciaran McManus and Australia's Luke Darcy confront each other
Ciaran McManus clashes with Luke Darcy

"I did not think it was a particularly dirty game.

"But there were a number of incidents which were not within the sporting bounds we require."

McCague said discipline in the Ireland v Australia meetings had improved with a good sporting series taking place in 2001.

"Any going back on that would be disappointing," said McCague.

"The series is always on trial as far as I am concerned."

Australia take a seven-point advantage into this Sunday's second and decisive test match.

Ireland manager John O'Keeffe has had his request for some club games to be postponed granted.

Six of his squad had been due to play in club championship games on the day before the Rules match.

Now O'Keeffe's main concern is the players recovering from knocks.

Armagh pair Kieran McGeeney and Paul McGrane needed stitches in facial wounds after Sunday's game.


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