Crossmaglen Rangers' boss Michael McConville has defended Francie Bellew following the full-back's challenge on Mickey Linden, which led to the Mayobridge player-manager leaving the field after 14 minutes of the Ulster club football final.
Linden suffered concession and two broken teeth following the clash with Bellew. Mayobridge supporters argued that Bellew should have been sent to the line.
However, McConville launched a robust defence of his player.
"There was nothing vindictive. It wasn't a case of him taking Mickey out of it because he didn't even know he was playing," he said.
Crossmaglen emerged victorious in Sunday's game by 0-14 to 0-9.