Glentoran contest player ruling

Glentoran FC have announced their intention to appeal against an Irish League ruling that could see them drop to the bottom of the Northern Irish Premier Division.

Points deduction
The Irish League's (IFL) Rules Revision Committee decided that the east Belfast club should be deducted 12 points for using an ineligible player in four league matches this season. That would leave them in last place with no points. 

Cup blow and fine
They also lost the seven points they collected in matches in which Kilmartin featured in the CIS Insurance League Cup's Greater Belfast section, preventing them from progressing to the quarter-finals of that competition. In addition, a total fine of €11,150 was imposed on Glentoran.

Registration error
Kilmartin played in the matches as a non-contract player but an error on Glentoran's part meant that he was still registered as a professional with his former club, Scottish side Celtic FC. Glentoran have since signed Kilmartin up on professional terms.

'Unfair and unreasonable'
After a board meeting, Glentoran described the punishment as "unfair and unreasonable". A statement read: "It is the intention of the club to lodge an appeal having taken the appropriate legal advice. The board of directors are fully in support of the management team, the players, and in particular, Andrew Kilmartin."

'No alternative'
However, in a statement, the IFL explained its decision on the matter: "After due consideration the IFL Rules Revision Committee decided that, in view of information received from the Irish Football Association, it had no alternative but to enforce its regulations applicable to the playing of an ineligible player."

Boost for opponents
Each club beaten by Glentoran when fielding Kilmartin in that period - Cliftonville FC, Crusaders FC, Institute FC, and Newry Town FC - have been awarded 1-0 victories in the Premier Division. The teams to benefit similarly in the CIS Insurance Cup are Lisburn Distillery FC, Ards FC and Bangor FC.