IFA to investigate Cup violence
Monday, 18 January 2010 17:53The Irish Football Association are to investigate the violence which called a halt to Saturday's Irish Cup game between Newry City and Larne.
The match descended into farcical violence towards the end leaving referee Raymond Crangle with no choice but to abandon the match.
Newry were leading 2-1 with eight minutes to go when players and backroom staff became involved in fighting.
Punches and kicks were traded in the Newry dugout and across the pitch after two Larne players and their manager had been sent off.
The PSNI is now studying footage of Saturday's incidents.
IFA president Raymond Kennedy told told the BBC: 'We have no official report at hand at this time but there is no place in the game of football for such behaviour that I am led to believe happened on Saturday.
'(But) The referee's report should be at hand today and we will set up the investigation and the procedures that have to be followed immediately (once we get the report).'
Kennedy also confirmed there was a possibility both clubs will be kicked out of the competition.
Liam Hogan was red carded for raising his hands to Newry's Darren King and Alan Reid followed for another challenge on King shortly after.
Larne manager Millar soon followed and both squads and coaching staff then became involved in fighting all across the pitch.
