Irish FA disciplinary committee defers decision on Ballymena United derby incident

The Irish FA has delayed its ruling on a highly publicised disturbance involving spectators at the end of Ballymena United’s recent festive derby with Coleraine.

The move has been agreed to allow the Braid club to conclude its own internal investigation into the incident which marred the end of December 27 fixture at the Warden Street Showgrounds.

A Ballymena United statement said: “Following submissions from all parties, the (disciplinary) committee deferred a decision on a sanction pending confirmation from the club of the outcome of our own internal investigation.

“The board of Ballymena United will meet to consider the matter, and have agreed to further correspond with the Irish FA within one month, following the conclusion of our investigation.”

Ballymena representatives issued the statement following a virtual hearing of the Irish FA’s disciplinary committee on Wednesday evening.

The County Antrim club faces two charges relating to spectator misconduct and bringing the game into disrepute.

It comes after a small number of supporters housed in the Ballymena home stand appeared to enter the field of play after David Parkhouse scored a late winner for the Sky Blues in a 2-1 win over Coleraine.

It was subsequently reported that an apparent altercation took place near Coleraine winger Conor McKendry who was being treated after being injured prior to the goal.

It was also claimed that one supporter allegedly tried to strike a Coleraine player.

The following day, Ballymena United said a number of individuals had been "identified and suspended indefinitely" from their home games while an investigation continued.

It was also reported at the time that the PSNI had been in contact with Ballymena United and Mid and East Antrim