Shels' Collins in dock over dugout blunder

Shelbourne face an anxious wait after assistant manager Eamonn Collins took his place in the dugout, despite being suspended, for Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with UCD.

Collins was banned from the dugout for two games effective from November 24 after being ordered off during Shelbourne’s clash with Cork City at Tolka Park in October.

The eircom League informed the club and released a media statement with all the details, but Collins was unaware of his suspension and took his place in the dugout as normal on Wednesday night.

The League will review the referees match report – which will list Collins as one of Shelbourne’s technical staff – before bringing the issue to the attention of the relevant body in the League.

While clubs have been deducted points for fielding suspended players in the past, there is no precedent for a manager or coach failing to adhere to a ban.