Decision to clear Bennett delights City boss

CORK CITY boss Damien Richardson has reacted with delight to the news that Alan Bennett will be able to play in Sunday’s FAI Cup Final against Drogheda United.

The club’s second appeal against the yellow card the defender received in last month’s 2-2 draw with Waterford United proved successful yesterday, with an FAI hearing resulting in the lifting of the ban and clearing the way for Bennett to play in the final game of the season.

Said Richardson: “I am delighted on two counts. The obvious one is because this was something that he didn’t deserve. But I’m equally delighted that the system acknowledged the mistake and was seen willing to rectify its mistake. I think that is most encouraging thing that’s come out of this for me.”

Reviewing the grounds for the appeal, Richardson insisted: “It was a simple case of mistaken identity. In the confusion of the moment - and it’s very difficult for a referee and linesman to catch hold of everything that’s going on - the idea came across that Alan Bennett grabbed hold of a Waterford player’s shirt and dragged him around when, in actual fact, it was the opposite that happened. The television coverage was very handy in this respect because it proved what we were saying was correct.”

Yesterday’s brief FAI statement on the issue gave no details as to why the appeal was upheld but if it was on the grounds of mistaken identity then it’s possible that some kind of precedent has been set. FIFA rules don’t permit the rescinding of yellow cards other than in the case of mistaken identity, but that normally is taken to refer to a team-mate rather than an opponent.

But, as far as Damien Richardson is concerned, fairness should be the overriding principle.

“Fairness has to be the essence of what sport is, from the earliest time you join as a youngster to the highest level,” he says. “We’re all role models and Alan Bennett is a particularly good role model. He has had four yellow cards in the whole year. There’s no malice in him and he’s a tremendous player.”

Richardson adds that he informed the player yesterday that he had good news and bad news for him.

“I said to him that the good news is that he’s available for selection but the bad news is that I’m not necessarily going to pick him,” Richardson quipped. “As good as the FAI are they don’t pick the Cork City team.”

Meanwhile, former Kilkenny City manager Pat Scully has been appointed the new manager of Shamrock Rovers after the sacking of Roddy Collins. The former Rovers and Shels player guided Kilkenny to fourth place in the First Division last season but will go into the next campaign in charge of the newly relegated Hoops.

“It was vitally important that we made an appointment as soon as possible,” said Rovers chairman Jonathan Roche.

“We feel Pat is the ideal man for the job: he’s young, ambitious and just had a great season at Kilkenny.

“He’s on holiday this week, but we wanted a message to go out to everyone - especially the fans and the players - that Shamrock Rovers mean business.

“Next season starts now.”

In other eircom League news, Alan Murphy has left Derry City to rejoin his former club Galway United. Said United boss Stephen Lally: “I am delighted he will be back in a Galway United shirt next season. He is an accomplished midfielder or striker and will bring a lot to our side next season. I am delighted for the fans as well, as Alan was always a big favourite with them.”