Jim McGuinness has been hit with an eight-week sideline suspension for fielding an ineligible player in the McKenna Cup against Armagh.
The ban comes after Donegal played Naomh Conaill player Finbarr Roarty, then 17, featured in their opening McKenna Cup win at MacCumhaill Park on Wednesday.
Roarty’s inclusion appeared to break the rule which says senior inter-county players have to be aged 18 by the start of the calendar year.
Donegal also lose the points from their 3-16 to 1-6 win over Armagh but the points will not awarded to the Orchard County, however, as they did not appeal.
The Ulster GAA has not commented as yet, while Donegal can request a hearing to appeal the penalty against McGuinness.
Roarty, who hasn’t played a senior game for his club, turned 18 on Thursday last.
However, competition rules for senior inter-county football state players must be 18 by the start of that calendar year to be eligible to play.
McGuinness said he had “no idea” whether he would face a sanction for fielding Roarty, but indicated he would appeal.
Roarty, who cannot play for the senior panel this season due to his age, has also been handed a two-week suspension.
