Sligo vow to fight FAI charge over suspended player

Sligo Rovers will face a disciplinary hearing after being charged by the FAI over the fielding of a suspended player in their 2-0 win over Dundalk last week.

It is alleged that Adam McDonnell was suspended for the game at the Showgrounds on Monday 29 August.

Sligo could lose the points if they are found to have breached the rule but the club contest they received "contradictory communications from the FAI" with regards to the suspension and plan to fight the charge.

In a statement released on Monday evening, the FAI said: "The Disciplinary Control Unit of the Football Association of Ireland has charged Sligo Rovers FC with fielding a suspended player in their SSE Airtricity Premier Division game on Monday, August 29th.

"The charge will be heard by the independent Disciplinary Committee of the Football Association of Ireland this week and the decision will be communicated to Sligo Rovers FC."

Sligo released their own statement on social media.

It read: "We wish to inform supporters of a notice received to appear before the FAI Disciplinary Control Unit this week.

"It arises out of Adam McDonnell's appearance against Dundalk when allegedly suspended. The potential sanction of an adverse finding is an overturning of the result

"The club received contradictory communications from the FAI on Adam's possible suspension. Legal advice has been taken and the club will be represented at the hearing A further update will follow when available."

If Sligo lose Dundalk would be a rewarded a 3-0 win. That would leave them three points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers, albeit having played two games more. The Bit O'Red's European ambitions would be bady hit if they were stripped of the points. They'd be ten points behind fourth-placed St Pat's.

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