Warrenpoint boss Barry Gray seeks clarity over Portadown sanctions

The Ports were fined £10,000 by the Irish FA after being found guilty of committing two offences in relation to undisclosed payments to players.

They have also been banned from signing any new players on professional contracts until June 2017.

The penalties handed down saw Portadown avoid a points deduction or automatic demotion from the top flight.

It leaves them sitting in ninth spot in the table – five points off basement club Warrenpoint.

“We haven’t made any official contact with the IFA yet, but we would like some clarity as to the reasons Portadown have been hit with these sanctions,” Warrenpoint boss Gray said.

“We are awaiting further advice because the statement that came out on Monday night from the IFA were very sketchy.

“I think all of local football would like more answers, not just Warrenpoint Town.

“If Portadown did something wrong, does the punishment fit the crime? That’s what we need to know. We will probably take some legal advice on the matter.”

Gray insists Monday night’s decision will not alter Warrenpoint’s approach to the remainder of the season.

“We have to take care of our own games and try and get out of the situation we are in,” the Milltown manager added.

“If we can climb away from the bottom then it won’t matter what happens to Portadown or anyone else.

“Whether we get any clarity from the IFA remains to be seen.”