By Cathal Dervan

BEATEN All-Ireland club finalists Dr. Crokes are up in arms after referee Eugene Murtagh failed to send Crossmaglen’s John McEntee off in the replay in Portlaoise on Sunday after issuing him with two yellow cards.

McEntee was first booked after 11 minutes and again in the 54th minute but was left on the pitch as Crossmaglen secured a five point win by 0-13 to 1-5.

The game was level at 0-8 to 1-5 when McEntee was booked the second time, but referee Murtagh failed to issue the mandatory red card in a game that also saw a player from each side dismissed.

McEntee was withdrawn by the winners five minutes after the second yellow card, but the mistake may yet force a re-fixture as the GAA investigate.

Dr. Crokes chairman Patrick O’Sullivan confirmed to RTE on Monday night that he had told the fourth official and a linesman about the error, but neither told the referee.

“The fourth official effectively said nothing and then I went to the linesman. He told me to go away and said I didn’t know what I was talking about,” said O’Sullivan. “I stressed to the linesman that John McEntee was booked twice, but he argued it wasn’t the case.”

Dr. Crokes are unlikely to appeal against the decision. Manager Pat O’Shea said, “I didn’t realize that John McEntee was booked twice until I was told. Matches can turn on marginal decisions like this. I certainly wouldn’t be in favor of bringing this the referee’s error up after the match is over.

“I’ve just been to the Crossmaglen dressing room and I complemented them on their victory.”