There is growing speculation that Clare's SeáMcMahon has not been reported for striking in respect of his sending-off during last weekend's Clare-Tipperary match.

Referee Aodhán Mac Suibhne's report - which has been submitted to the GAA's Games Administration Committee and the Clare County Board - is believed to cite the player for dangerous play rather than striking.

Should this be so, McMahon will be in line for a minimum suspension of four as distinct from 12 weeks when the matter is considered by this morning's meeting of the GAC. Although the Clare captain would still miss the county's Munster semi-final against Cork in Thurles on June 8th, he would then be free for the provincial final or the qualifiers, depending on whether Clare win.

The committee could then review the referee's report, under the power granted it by Central Council last August, but the new GAC has been reluctant to exercise this authority.

Nonetheless, a four-week suspension would cause widespread controversy. Television pictures clearly show McMahon's hurl making contact with Tipperary's Conor Gleeson. Mac Suibhne was right on hand and immediately produced the red card.

McMahon said earlier in the week that his action was unintentional, and he has an impeccable disciplinary record, but the rules make no distinction on these grounds.

GAC meet this morning to consider Mac Suibhne's report and decide the player's fate. Should he receive a shorter suspension than expected it is believed no further action will be taken against Tipperary's Gleeson, who can also be seen using his hurl against McMahon, although he wasn't noticed by the referee.

Consequently, Gleeson doesn't feature in Mac Suibhne's report. Were the GAC to take action against the Tipperary player, the committee would have to initiate an investigation.

Gleeson's team mate Eamonn Corcoran may after all have his appeal against a 12-week suspension heard. The appeal was originally disallowed because it hadn't been lodged within the stipulated time but it is now expected Central Council will overlook this technicality.

Secretary Seán Ó Laoire confirmed yesterday that the GAC are on standby in case they needed to explain their stance in the matter.

The most pressing item on the GAC agenda is the case against Tyrone footballer Gavin Devlin, who is being charged in relation to an incident in the NFL final, when he is seen standing on Laois player Colm Parkinson. Devlin is named on the Tyrone team for this afternoon's Ulster championship replay against Derry.

Should he be suspended, Devlin will be ineligible to play this afternoon.