Glentoran fans fear the Big Two giants risk being expelled from the Samuel Gelston's Irish Cup after the club’s place in the semi-final was thrown into doubt over a player eligibility issue.
It has been reported that Joe Crowe, who featured in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Newry City in the last eight of the blue riband competition at the BetMcLean Oval, wasn’t free to play in the tie.
Crowe was hit with a three-game suspension for ‘serious foul play’ three weeks ago while playing for Glentoran's reserve team against Linfield Swifts on February 14.
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The reserves have played three games since the 23-year-old was banned, but one was an Intermediate Cup tie, a competition Crowe isn't eligible to play in.
And according to the IFA’s disciplinary code, a player not eligible to participate in a particular match due to the competition rules may not use that match to serve his suspension.
The Irish FA are fully aware of the situation and Glentoran, who have been drawn to play Ballymena United in the semi-finals on April 1 or 2, have yet to comment on the matter.
On Twitter one Glentoran fan wrote: “If this Joe Crowe suspension rumour is true, might cry” while another added: “Tell me we haven’t made a massive FUBAR here.”
Fans of other clubs were less sympathetic, with one tweeting: “Well done to @NewryCityAFC for qualifying for the semi finals.”
Another added: “Out yas pop.”
Jay Donnelly scored Glentoran’s winner against Newry City, who lie second in the Championship, heading home a Conor McMenamin cross for his 25th goal of the season.
Mick McDermott's men were subsequently drawn to face Ballymena United in the semi-finals in what would be a repeat of the 2020 final which they won 2-1 after extra-time.
Dundela were expelled from the Irish Cup in January after the Championship side fielded an ineligible player in their first-round victory over Ards.
Crowe wasn’t eligible to play in the Intermediate Cup because he has played more than 12 senior games for the Glens this season.
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