Glentoran FC thrown out of Irish Cup over Joe Crowe ineligibility

Glentoran have been thrown out of the Samuel Gelston’s Irish Cup for playing Joe Crowe in the club's quarter-final win over Newry City.

The Irish FA confirmed that the East Belfast club have been 'dismissed' from this season's competition after Crowe was found to be ineligible for last Saturday's tie.

It now means Newry will play Ballymena United in the semi-finals, subject to any appeal.

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The IFA said said in a statement: "Glentoran FC have been dismissed from the Samuel Gelston’s Irish Cup due to the club fielding an ineligible player, Joe Crowe, in their quarter-final tie against Newry City AFC on Saturday 5 March.

"Following a protest from Newry City AFC regarding the eligibility of Crowe to participate in the above fixture, the Irish FA Challenge Cup Committee met last night, Thursday 10 March, and upheld that protest.

"Glentoran FC have the right of appeal in accordance with Article 14 of the IFA Articles of Association.

"Newry City AFC have now been reinstated to the competition and will play Ballymena United in the semi-finals (subject to any appeal)."

It has emerged after last Saturday's quarter-finals that midfielder Crowe had not successfully completed a three-match suspension after picking up a ban playing for Glentoran Reserves.

It was reported that the reserves had played three games since Crowe picked up the suspension, but one was in the Intermediate Cup which is a competition the 23-year-old is not eligible for.

Earlier this week manager Mick McDermott said the club would robustly defend itself over the eligibility of Crowe.

He said on Tuesday night: "We will defend ourselves but we are waiting to hear from the authorities.