Enniskillen Rangers Chairman, Tony Roofe, has said the club is delighted with the decision by the IFA Appeals Committee to reinstate the club in the fonaCAB Irish Junior Cup Final after what he described as a "prolonged period of uncertainty".
Following the decision by the IFA Appeals Committee to reinstate Enniskillen Rangers into the fonaCAB Irish Junior Cup Final, the club have issued a statement following the weeks of protests and appeals that have followed their Junior Cup semi-final against Tummery Athletic.
The IFA Appeals Committee has today (Wednesday) partially upheld an Appeal brought by Enniskillen Rangers against a decision of the IFA Disciplinary Committee.
Tummery Athletic FC had submitted a complaint of misconduct to the IFA Disciplinary Committee claiming that an Enniskillen Rangers FC player had breached the terms of his suspension at a Junior Cup Challenge Semi-Final match on March 27.
This resulted in the Disciplinary Committee deciding on April 24 that there was a breach resulting in the imposition of a £350 fine in addition to Enniskillen Rangers forfeiting their place in the cup decider against Cleary Celtic.
Enniskillen Rangers appealed this decision and a hearing was held on Tuesday, May 7.
The IFA Appeals Committee found that the £350 fine stands but that Enniskillen Rangers FC should be reinstated to the Junior Cup and proceed to the final.
Tony Roofe, Chairman of Enniskillen Rangers FC, commenting on the decision stated: “Enniskillen Rangers FC is delighted with the outcome of the Appeal following a prolonged period of uncertainty around the Junior Cup Final.
"The entire process has been stressful on the Club, Management and Players with the unfortunate consequences meaning that the Junior Cup Final will no longer take place at the National Stadium at Windsor Park.
The Club would like to acknowledge the management, players, supporters and the footballing community who have supported our efforts in defending this complaint and subsequent appeal.
"In addition to our legal representatives, particular thanks should be made to Club Treasurer, Roy Cathcart, and former Chairmen Malachy Love and John-Ross Armstrong for their assistance throughout.
"In addition, the club would like to thank the IFA Appeals Committee for its reasoned and proportionate decision. Its recommendations and guidance in the decision will no doubt prove useful for clubs, players and disciplinary processes in the future.
"Enniskillen Rangers FC will not be commenting further on the decision and look forward to the Junior Cup Final against Cleary Celtic FC in the coming weeks.”
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