GAA Football

They did say they wouldn't play in the replay.

Nothing in the rules to allow for that to happen. 

Without knowing the full rule book, failing to fulfil a fixture under these circumstances surely warrants a punishment? Not to mention it was their own breaking of the rules that has them in this position. Supposedly it’s not the first time a Robbie Brennan managed team has had 16 players on the field during a game 

As much as I don't like Crokes or any of the "Super Clubs" I don't think they had the extra man on intentionally. Officials mistake here. Have been told the ref was aware of it straight after the 45 but instead of retaking it played an extra minute instead. Madness if true. 

What a load of rubbish!

They gained an advantage, a replay was the only sensible outcome. 

How is that a load of rubbish? Look at the rules of other sports for having too many players on the field, its pretty unanimous that the punishment is caution to the extra player on the field and cancelling out points scored when the extra player was on the pitch/court. Nowhere is it really that a match is null and void as really its put to the officials to police the correct numbers and fix it during the match if the rules are being broken.

In the GAA the rules are are clear and 3 options available to them, award match to other team, replay or fine. I think this is where you use common sense. Yes for sure if they had an extra man on and they were scoring points with that advantage and the ref doesn't spot it and the match finishes, you have a better argument for replay. But one play where they needed a goal, its way to severe to order a full replay of the match. The option of fine is the just punishment here. 

Another key thing here is its an amateur sport snd they know that players on both sides are not available now and it's going to end up even more farcical. Likely match won't go ahead even. 

might be better asking in the hurling thread