Ballinamallard United midfielder Jason McCartney was cleared of an alleged head-butting incident by the Irish FA’s Disciplinary Committee on Wednesday night.
McCartney was initially banned for six games following an incident during the Mallards’ Danske Bank Premiership game with Ballymena United on October 27.
The former Sligo Rovers midfielder was shown a straight red card after becoming involved in a melee just before half-time at the Showgrounds.
Ballinamallard have strenuously denied the charge against their player and won their appeal.
“We are delighted that Jason has been cleared,” said Mallards manager Whitey Anderson - who attended Wednesday night’s meeting with club chairman Desi Quinn.
“It was a fair hearing and we are relieved that common sense prevailed.
“At the end of the day Jason had no case to answer for and we have been vindicated.
“I would like to thank the IFA for the way they have dealt with this and also Ballymena manager Glenn Ferguson who gave a statement in support of our player.”
McCartney is now free to play in all six Premiership games coming up in December, starting with Saturday’s scheduled fixture against Glentoran at the Oval.
“Considering we were looking at a hefty six-game ban, this is like a new signing for us,” Anderson added.
Comments