Hughes ruffled McCann’s hair toward the end of the match and the Tyrone reacted by dropping to the ground. Hughes was immediately sent off and McCann has been heavily criticised by GAA supporters and in the media for what appears to be a blatant dive.

The eight-week ban has reportedly been proposed under a rule concerning ‘misconduct discrediting the Association’.

But, as has been pointed out online, “to attempt to achieve an advantage by feigning a foul or injury” which is what McCann appeared to do is listed in GAA Rules as a cautionable offence with a yellow card the correct punishment.

To attempt to achieve an advantage by feigning a foul or injury, penalty is to caution offender. It does not equal an 8 week suspension #mad

— Philip Jordan (@PhilipJordan7) August 11, 2015

There has been mixed reaction to the news, with many pleased to see the Association take action to stamp out diving.

But others argue against the proposed ban, questioning both the severity of the punishment and the timing.

Five points on Tiernan McCann's proposed eight-week ban: #GAA #examsport pic.twitter.com/ofOKvnEY3N via @JohnFogartyIrl

— Irish Examiner Sport (@ExaminerSport) August 12, 2015

If Tiernan McCann gets an 8 week ban its excessive. If the GAA wanted to take a stance on cheating they picked a bad time to do it 1/5

— ian galvin (@IanGalvinNYGAA) August 12, 2015

8 week ban for Tiernan McCann is very harsh. Surely it's a yellow card offence! Making an example of a young lad isn't right. #Tyrone #GAA

— Emma McCloughan (@emmasloan) August 12, 2015

If Tiernan McCann gets banned for 8 weeks it will be an absolute travesty! Succeeding only in showing how weak the cccc are! #TyroneGAA

— Mr C Gervin (@Mr_C_Gervin) August 12, 2015

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