Strabane Athletic have issued an apology to the club’s supporters after confirmation they’ve been thrown out of the Intermediate Cup for fielding an ineligible player in their quarter-final win over Crumlin Star.

The Premier Intermediate League outfit won their last-eight tie on penalties and were due to progress to the semi-finals which are being staged on April 1.

However, it emerged that one of Strabane’s players had turned out for a previous club in the same competition earlier in the season with the Irish FA confirming their removal from the tournament.

The IFA posted: “Strabane Athletic have been dismissed from the Competition for fielding an ineligible player.”

placeholder image — Strabane Athletic had progressed to the Intermediate Cup semi-finals. (Photo by NIFL)

It means Crumlin Star, who are the reigning Intermediate Cup champions, have been reinstated and will continue their defence with a semi-final showdown against third-tier leaders Moyola Park at the Blanchflower Stadium.

In the other last-four tie which is being staged at Lakeview Park, the home of Loughgall, 2021/22 winners Rathfriland Rangers will face Amateur League club East Belfast.

Strabane enjoyed a dream Irish Cup fifth round clash against Premiership giants Glentoran at The Oval in January and had progressed in the Intermediate Cup by beating Suffolk, Colin Valley, Wellington Rec and Holywood.

In an update on social media, the Co Tyrone club said: “Strabane Athletic Football Club can confirm that they have received communication from the IFA that we have been removed from the Intermediate Cup Semi Final because one of our players against Crumlin Star had already played in the competition for another club.

"This is contrary to the rules of the Intermediate Cup.

“Strabane Athletic Committee, Management and Players were absolutely gutted to receive this news and apologise with utmost sincerity to everyone involved for this unfortunate oversight.

“Our most humble apologies go to our loyal supporters who have travelled up and down the country every week supporting the team. Please stick with us and help us to learn and advance our Club.”

Strabane are enjoying their first season in the Irish League pyramid and currently sit eighth in the Premier Intermediate League – just five points adrift of a top-four spot which would seal promotion to next season’s revamped Championship.