Novo ban halved after IFA hearing

Nacho Novo still has a future with Glentoran – at least for the remainder of the season.

That is after he had a six-match ban cut in half by the IFA Disciplinary Committee last night.

It means the ex-Rangers star will now be available to help the Glens push for an all-important European spot in the Danske Bank Premiership.

But he will miss league games away to Ballinamallard United, Dungannon Swifts and Carrick Rangers.

With just five league games left it looked like the Spaniard’s career at the Oval could have been over.

The 38-year-old was facing a charge of attempting to head-butt Crusaders midfielder Declan Caddell in January.

But in a statement last night the IFA said:

“Having considered submissions from the club, the refereeing team and having viewed the video footage, the committee were not satisfied that an obvious error had occurred.

“However, in the circumstances, the committee decided to apply the provisions of Article 16.7 and suspend half of the sanction for a period of 6 months. Mr Novo must serve a 3 match suspension commencing Monday, 3 April 2017.

“The club has the right of appeal under Article 14 of the Articles of Association.”