Football: Portadown set to appeal NIFL points deduction

Portadown have been found guilty of a breach of a Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) rule following last Sunday's Irish Premiership win at Newry City.

The issues arose after attacker Alberto Balde, who was initially named on the team sheet to start, was removed shortly before kick-off and named amongst the substitutes. He subsequently came in the first half.

The Ports went on to win the tie 3-1 to pick up their first league win of the campaign.

A statement from the Northern Ireland Football League read: "The NI Football League can confirm that the NIFL Competitions Committee have today ruled on a breach of Premiership Rules.

"The eligibility of Portadown player Alberto Balde Almanzar was raised in relation to his appearance in the Danske Bank Premiership match against Newry City on 4 December 2022.

"In accordance with Rule 9 of the NIFL Premiership Rules 2022/23, the NIFL Competitions Committee were called to review all relevant documentation alongside the relevant rules and regulations.

"The case was considered by the Committee today (Friday 9 December) and has ruled that Portadown FC has been found in breach of Rule 20(h) of the NIFL Premiership Rules 2022/23

"As a result of this breach, Portadown have been fined £500 and the match awarded to Newry City with a 3-0 scoreline."

Portadown have released a statement on their club website saying they intend to appeal the verdcit.

It reads: "This afternoon, Portadown FC were shocked to have received notification from NIFL that we will lose the 3 points earned on Sunday 4th December. We intend to appeal this decision immediately as we believe the correct procedures were followed throughout. We will keep our supporters, who have given the club great backing in tough times recently, updated as much as we will be allowed.

Until the appeal process has been heard, the club will not be issuing any further comment on the matter."