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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Darren Fullerton

Ballymena United to learn disciplinary fate a month after festive derby incident

Ballymena United will face two charges when the Irish FA Disciplinary Committee meets on Wednesday night to deal with the fallout from the Braid club’s recent festive derby with Coleraine.

A number of Ballymena supporters were suspended as part of an investigation into an incident involving spectators near the end of the Danske Bank Premiership fixture on December 27.

And the club now faces two disciplinary raps relating to spectator conduct and bringing the game into disrepute.

It is unlikely Ballymena will contest either charge.

A small number of fans appeared to enter the field of play at the Warden Street Showgrounds after David Parkhouse scored a dramatic injury time winner for the Sky Blues.

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 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 home games while an investigation continued.

In their statement in December, the club said said: “We take seriously the safety of supporters and players and strongly condemn any actions that put either at risk.”

The festive derby, which was played in front of a sellout crowd of almost 3,500, was locked at 1-1 heading into stoppage time.

But former Derry City striker Parkhouse won it in dramatic fashion when he steered a Brendan Barr cross into the far corner for his first goal for the club.

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