Linfield fail in bid to get red rescinded

LINFIELD have failed in their bid to have a red card shown to midfielder Paul McAreavey rescinded after the player was given his marching orders by Cork referee Alan Kelly in Monday’s scoreless Setanta Cup Group Two game with Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

The Belfast team had hoped to introduce video evidence to show that McAreavey was the innocent party after a reckless challenge by Shels defender David Crawley on 25 minutes.

McAreavey will serve a one match ban and will miss next Monday’s clash with Derry City at the Brandywell.

Also ruled out of that game will be Derry defender Sean Hargan, sent off by Dungannon referee Mark Courtney for a second bookable offence in the club’s 1-0 defeat by Glentoran at the Oval on Monday.

The Glens will be without defender Mark Glendenning for their home game with Shelbourne next Monday as he serves a one match ban.

For what is a vital Group Two match, Shels defenders Owen Heary and Colin Hawkins will also be absentees at the Oval.