Donegal captain Michael Murphy has won his appeal against the red card he received in the Ulster Football quarter-final meeting with Cavan last weekend.
The Glenswilly man is now cleared to play against Tyrone in the last four encounter in what will be a massive boost to Jim McGuinness’ men.
Murphy’s appeal was heard by the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee at Croke Park last night with Donegal confident of overturning the decision.
That feeling proved correct as the committee decided he was incorrectly dismissed and will not have to serve a four-week ban.
Murphy was given the line after a shoulder challenge on his marker after just 14 minutes of the crucial encounter.
The DCU student is not considered a dirty player and TV replays of the incident showed he did not lift his hand to strike his opponent with many seeing it as a rash decision by referee Duffy.
A source within the Donegal camp said everyone was delighted that Michael had now been cleared to face Mickey Harte’s side on Sunday week.
“It’s going to be an uphill battle against Tyrone but it would have been a lot more difficult without Michael.
“He leads by the way he plays – hard and fair. Tyrone will probably have two men on him but he will relish that.
“The sending-off was harsh and it’s just great that fans will be able to see him in action against Tyrone.
“He’s one of the finest players in the country and he has many more high profile games in front of him,” said the source.
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