Limerick can apply for First Division

Referees have been advised to use pitchside monitors to make a final ruling on red card decisions.

The make-up of the SSE Airtricity First Division has been cast into further uncertainty with the news that Limerick FC have received the go-ahead to apply for a licence to compete in the second tier this season — despite their place having already been taken by Shamrock Rovers B.

Limerick chairman Pat O’Sullivan admitted last night that while winning the right to apply for a licence was one thing, meeting the criteria to be able to field a team in the league is another, particularly given the tight timeframe which will see the Independent Club Licensing Committee meet in early Feburary to assess all the applications from Premier and First Division clubs ahead of kick off later in the month.