Linfield to contact IFA over referee '˜inconsistencies'

An emergency meeting last night (Monday) of the club’s Board of Directors was held to “discuss recent inconsistencies in refereeing decisions which have impacted significantly on our club”.

A club statement was posted on the Linfield website as follows:

“The Board of Directors of Linfield Football Club held an Emergency Meeting tonight to discuss recent inconsistencies in refereeing decisions which have impacted significantly on our club.

“Whilst the club is considering its position in relation to specific decisions and possible disciplinary sanctions, it has agreed to forward a formal letter of complaint to the Irish Football Association’s Referees’ Committee to highlight the inconsistencies referred to above.

“Whilst the club is considering its position in relation to specific decisions and possible disciplinary sanctions, it has agreed to forward a formal letter of complaint to the Irish Football Association’s Referees’ Committee to highlight the inconsistencies referred to above.”

The meeting was held in the aftermath of last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Glenavon at Mourneview Park in which Linfield had both Roy Carroll and Matthew Clarke sent off.

It is understood that referee Tim Marshall, after reviewing footage of the incident, made officials aware he made a mistake in the dismissal of goalkeeper Carroll for allegedly spitting.

Although Linfield will be hoping to have Carroll’s red card rescinded, as it stands, both the goalkeeper and Clarke remain suspended for tonight’s Danske Bank Premiership game against Ballymena United.

The two teams share second place in the league table on 27 points entering the match at Ballymena Showgrounds.