The Donegal League have taken the unprecedented step of postponing Sunday’s Premier Division tie between Kilmacrennan Celtic and Milford United.
Kilmacrennan Celtic are awaiting a hearing with the Ulster FA after lodging appeal against sanctions imposed as a result of incidents in their recent game against Castlefin Celtic.
It is understood that Kilmacrennan’s appeal was lodged with the Ulster FA earlier this week and the Lurgysiders are now preparing to fight their case with the provincial body.
Unsavoury scenes marred the March 24 meeting of Kilmacrennan and Castlefin at Flagpole Park in Rathmullan.
The Donegal League’s disciplinary committee handed down lengthy bans to two Kilmacrennan Celtic officials. Adrian Doherty was hit with a 12-game suspension and Raymond Shields given a six-match ban.
Kilmacrennan players Kieran Gorman (4 games), Mark Friel (3 games) and Daire McDaid (2 games) were also given bans.
A monetary fine was also imposed on the club.
Castlefin’s Gary McNulty was given a two-match ban and also had a fine imposed.
No date has been set for Kilmacrennan’s appeal – believed to have been made on procedural grounds – with the Ulster FA and the Donegal League have informed Kilmac and Milford that they have pulled Sunday’s game from the weekend’s fixture list.
As things stand, Kilmacrennan are three points clear of Castlefin, who have a game in hand. This weekend, Castlefin host defending champions and current fourth-placed side Kildrum Tigers at Parkview.
When contacted, Kilmacrennan Celtic said they were making no comment on the matter while a hearing was pending.
Any decision taken by the Ulster FA may subsequently be appealed to the Football Association of Ireland.
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