Larne FC player John Herron: IFA hands down 10 match ban in wake of IRA T-shirt row

By Philip Bradfield
Published 21st Aug 2022, 15:53 BST
Updated 21st Aug 2022, 16:02 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
The Irish Football Association has handed down a ten match ban to Larne FC player John Herron after he was pictured wearing an IRA T-shirt, it is understood.

On 15 August Larne FC suspended Herron after he was photographed wearing a republican sports top with the words ‘tiochfaidh ar la’ in the shape of an Armalite assault rifle.

It is now understood that the IFA’s (Irish Football Association) Disciplinary Committee has written to Larne FC offering a sanction of a 10-match ban for the player for an alleged breach of Article 17 of the Articles of Association (bringing the game into disrepute), and a £500 fine for the club.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is understood the normal procedure in such cases is that the IFA seeks a response from a player/club before imposing any sanction.

Larne FC player John Herron (left) wearing a Pro IRA t shirt on social media at with a former team mate Ronan Hale at a concert in Belfast.Larne FC player John Herron (left) wearing a Pro IRA t shirt on social media at with a former team mate Ronan Hale at a concert in Belfast.
Larne FC player John Herron (left) wearing a Pro IRA t shirt on social media at with a former team mate Ronan Hale at a concert in Belfast.

The IFA said it will not be issuing a statement at this time as it could be prejudicial to the ongoing case.

Larne FC has a right to challenge the sanctions. The club has been invited to comment on the proposed sanction.

On 15 August the club issued a statement explaining Herron’s suspension. It said: “Following the circulation of an image online yesterday evening (Sunday), Larne Football Club can confirm John Herron has been suspended with immediate effect.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“For the period of his suspension, John will not represent the club in fixtures at any level. An investigation into this incident is now underway.

“We have shown that we are an inclusive football club for all, demonstrated not only in words but also by our extensive work in the local community.

“There is no room for behaviour which falls outside of this ethos and we fully expect members, players and anyone associated with the club to reflect these standards at all times.

“We will be making no further comment until the investigation has been completed.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Herron has been with Larne since January 2020, having previously been with Glentoran, Raith Rovers, Blackpool, Dunfirmline and Celtic.

After his suspension Larne FC Reds Supporters Club issued a statement. It said: “Larne FC Reds Supporters Club fully support the decision to suspend John Herron, and agree totally that Larne is a club for everyone from the community.

“Behaviour like this does not represent our town or our football club.”