Cleary may not get their day in Windsor Park if Enniskillen appeal expulsion from Junior Cup

Opening goal scorer Davy Walker gets in between two Lincoln Courts defenders during Cleary Celtics Junior Cup semi-final victory at Stangmore Park

“It’s a real shame,” Cleary manager John Hogg told the Newry Reporter upon hearing the news, as it may cause a delay in the final being played.

Enniskillen striker Jordan McClure was suspended after receiving a red card in a league fixture, days before their semi-final against Tyrone side Tummery Athletic. McClure did not play in the semi-final against Tummery but he was present at the ground where Rangers won 3-1.

Tummery launched an appeal citing Rule 15:9 of the Irish Football Association’s Disciplinary Code which defines a ‘standard suspension’ as: “A ban on taking part in a match with a player or official not permitted to enter the dressing room area, the player’s tunnel, the technical area, the substitute’s bench, the area immediately surrounding the field of play or the playing surface at any match played under the jurisdiction of the Association during the period stipulated in Article 15.9.1.

Cleary Celtic manager John Hogg celebrates his side winning the Mid-Ulster Shield on Easter Monday.

The final was due to be played at Windsor Park on May 6 but following an IFA disciplinary Committee hearing held last night (Wednesday 24) Tummery’s appeal was upheld and the semi-final result was overturned giving them a 3-0 win and as it stands they will replace Enniskillen in the final.

"It was very hard on Enniskillen because it wasn’t as if he was on the pitch or played in the game, but they did break the rules, so that’s the way it goes,” said Hogg while on the way to watch Tummery in action tonight - in an ironic twist of fate - against Enniskillen in Mulhern Cup semi-final.

Rangers have the right of appeal under Article 14 of the Articles of Association, which Cleary believe they intend to do.

“We haven’t had any official statement from the IFA but we believe Enniskillen are appealing the decision which will delay the final.”

The wait is not the most upsetting thing for Cleary however, but rather with work due to get underway at Windsor Park, should the final not take place on May 6, it will have to be held elsewhere.

"It’s a pity for the players and the whole club that it won’t be at Windsor Park now because it’s getting dug up on May 8, we’re led to believe, so it’s a real shame.”