CLARE goalkeeper Davy Fitzgerald has been hit with a two-month suspension after the Games Administration Committee yesterday deemed that his recent criticism of referee Pat Horan had brought the game into disrepute.

Fitzgerald, who had been picked to play against Galway in today's NHL game in Pearse Stadium, called the Offaly referee "an absolute disgrace" after his handling of a recent Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final, in which Limerick IT, coached by Fitzgerald, were narrowly beaten by UCC.

The two-time All Star will still be eligible to play in Clare's opening Munster championship match against Waterford on 16 May, but the suspension handed down yesterday will severely hamper his championship preparations as it expires only days before that showdown in Thurles.

Fitzgerald's suspension means his place will be filled today by Ger O'Connell.