Irish Cup: Dundela expelled after player ineligibility decision

Niall Currie who manages Dundela
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 27th Jan 2022

Championship side, Dundela have been kicked out of the Irish Cup.

In a statement the Irish FA said they were dismissed "for fielding an ineligible player in round one of the competition."

It follows a letter of protest lodged by Ards who were beaten 3-2 by the east Belfast team on January 8th - referring to the eligibility of David Fearon.

Ards will now play Newry City in the second round on Saturday, February 5th.

The IFA said: "After considering documentation received from both NIFL Championship clubs, the committee decided that the protest should be upheld and agreed that Ards be reinstated to the competition to play Newry City in round two in accordance with Rule 2 of the Challenge Cup Rules."

Meanwhile, Dundela, who are managed by former Ards boss Niall Currie (pictured) said on their Twitter page that they were "very disappointed with this outcome, and will explore what steps will be taken next."