Ciaran Whelan believes the situation surrounding Rory Gallagher will have been "a mental distraction" for Derry's squad ahead of their Ulster final clash with Armagh.
Gallagher announced on Friday that he was 'stepping back' from his role as manager of the Derry senior footballers.
He said in a statement: “I have advised Derry GAA that I am stepping back as Derry senior football manager with immediate effect.
READ MORE: Derry manager Rory Gallagher 'stepping back' from role with immediate effect
“This decision is borne out of a desire to protect my children from the ongoing turmoil.
“They will always be my priority.”
The turmoil in question relates to a Facebook post published by Mr Gallagher's former wife Nicola Gallagher, who earlier in the week made a number of domestic abuse allegations against him.
In response to Ms Gallagher's allegations, Mr Gallagher released a statement through his solicitors claiming all allegations had been investigated and dealt with by the proper authorities.
“I have been made aware of a social media post by my estranged wife Nicola Gallagher in which she has made a number of very serious allegations against me,” the statement said.
"Our marriage broke down over 4 years ago. Those closest to our family are well aware of the reasons for the breakdown of our marriage and the continued issues we have faced since that time.... Allegations against me have been investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities.
“My focus over the past 4 years has been to protect our children from the ongoing turmoil in our family."
“I have left this matter in the hands of my legal team and ask that the privacy of our family is respected at this time. I will not be making any further public comment on this matter.”
But Former Dublin star Whelan believes the past few days will have been "a mental distraction" for Derry.
Speaking on RTE's live coverage of Sunday's GAA action, he said: "This is not something that is going to motivate a team. This is a distraction and it's a mental distraction in the build up.
"Even though they have a lot of preparation done, they will know exactly how they will want to approach the game.
"You will have a lot of empathy for the players, this is a massive occasion and this place is going to be full today. It's a provincial final and this is the day they are going to want to perform.
"It's the 30 players who have put in a massive effort over the last six months to get here."
He added: "We don't know how it will affect their performance but no doubt about it, it's a distraction in the build up for them."
READ NEXT:
Emotional scenes as Ireland women sevens qualify for Olympic Games
"We'll be gunning for it" Graham Rowntree on Munster's URC final date after victory over Leinster
Willie Mullins and Paul Townend complete successful American raid with Scaramanga
Ian Garry calls out top UFC contender after biggest victory of his career
Rachael Blackmore to be investigated over controversial ride on well-backed horse
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
