FOOTBALL: Linfield warned they could be forced to play behind closed doors
Matthew Clarke also hit with two-match ban
Last updated 12th Jan 2022
Linfield have been hit with a £1,000 fine by the Irish Football Association and warned they may have to play games behind closed doors in future.
It's after they were charged with spectator misconduct following the Big Two Derby with Glentoran at Windsor Park on December 27th.
Defender Matthew Clarke has also been handed a two-match ban following the same game for 'provoking the general public'.
Linfield have appealed both decisions.
An IFA statement read: "Linfield were charged by the Irish FA’s Disciplinary Committee for a breach of Article 33 of the Irish FA’s Articles of Association (spectator misconduct) during their NIFL Danske Bank Premiership fixture v Glentoran on Monday 27 December and the club have now been sanctioned with a £1000 fine.
"Linfield have also received a strong warning advising that should a similar offence occur again they will be asked to play a match/matches behind closed doors or away from home. This is a result of being subject to other spectator misconduct charges this season," the statement added.
"Meanwhile, Linfield player Matthew Clarke was charged by the committee with breaching Article 21 (provoking the general public) during the same game against Glentoran in December. He has been sanctioned with a two-match standard suspension, while a £250 fine has been imposed on the club.
"Subsequently the club have challenged both charges and the matter is being considered by the Disciplinary Committee."