Glenanne to appeal Butler suspension

GLENANNE are in the process of formulating an appeal that they hope will allow star goalscorer Stephen Butler play in Saturday’s Irish Senior Cup semi-final against Cork Harlequins in Cork.

The Dublin club feel that Butler’s sending off in their 4-2 quarter-final victory over Crookstown last month should be rescinded and they also believe that correct procedures in the hearing of his disciplinary hearing may not have been followed and on this basis are working on an appeal.

A disciplinary hearing on Monday night last banned Butler from next Saturday’s game, but Glenanne say they have seven days to appeal the decision and intend doing so ahead of Saturday’s vital cup tie.

If this is the case, then Butler should technically be able to play against Harlequins in the semi-final on Saturday.

With over 100 Irish caps under his belt, Butler is one of the most experienced players in the country and Glenanne would be only too delighted if they can secure his availability for the cup semi-final.

A spokesman for the club said last night that they were formulating their strategy for the appeal but their primary intention at this stage was to have the player available for this important match.

“Stephen has already missed too matches because of the red card he received against Cookstown, but we believe there are grounds for the punishment to be rescinded. But he has seven days to appeal and it is our intention to lodge an appeal before Saturday’s game and if we do that he should be able to play,” a spokesman for the club said.

He admitted that the situation was largely out of the club’s hands and Glenanne were unsure how this might pan out, but the aim of the whole thing was to ensure their player’s availability for the cup semi-final.

In the meantime, Harlequins’ coach Stephen Dale reports no injury worries ahead of Saturday’s game.

“Apart from John Aherne, who has been out for some time now, we expect to have a full squad for the match,” he said.