Derry row clubs appeal penalties

Slaughtneil's Francis McEldowney is sent-off at Celtic Park

Ballinderry and Slaughtneil had their appeals heard on Monday night against the heavy penalties handed down following the Derry SFC final.

Slaughtneil were banned from all adult competitions for six months and club members Raymond McCluskey and Danny McMullan were banned for 96 weeks.

Frances and Fergal McEldowney, Michael McEldowney and Michael Rogers, also of Slaughtneil, were given 48-week bans.

Ballinderry management team member Paul Devlin was banned for two years.

Slaughtneil were also fined £5,000 with Ballinderry being handed a £2,000 penalty.

Both clubs had until the weekend to lodge appeals with the Derry County Board - and both are doing so

County Board investigations are ongoing and BBC Sport understands that further players and club officials from Ballinderry could yet be subject to lengthy suspensions.

Slaughtneil has been banned from all adult activity at senior, reserve and under-21 level for six months.

The club will also have to play all adult games next year at the home of their opposition.

Underage football and the club's hurling teams are not affected.

It is alleged that two press photographers were the victims of verbal and physical abuse following unsavoury scenes after the final whistle.

Ballinderry won the game by 0-10 to 0-8 at Celtic Park.