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Steven Crawford

Portadown reveal their 'shock' at NIFL decision as they plan an appeal

Portadown FC intend to appeal the NI Football League's decision to strip them of the three points following their game against Newry City.

The Ports were informed on Friday afternoon that they had been docked three points and fined £500 after they were found guilty of a breach of Premiership Rules NI Football League Competitions Committee.

NIFL opened an investigation into the 3-1 victory last Sunday.

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Before the game at The Showgrounds Alberto Balde was replaced post-deadline on the teamsheet in the starting eleven by Leo Donnellan.

This took place with the permission of the referee.

Balde went on to play in the game replacing the injured Donnellan in the 28th minute.

Goals from Lee Upton, Greg Moorhouse and Jordan Jenkins has seemingly secured a first win of the season for Niall Currie's men, however the points will now go to Newry City after NIFL confirmed they had been awarded a 3-0 win.

NIFL's rules state: "Should any nominated player or substitute sustain an injury or become otherwise incapacitated after the submission of the teamsheet to the referee and before the kick-off, he may be replaced provided that the referee and the opposing club are informed prior to kick-off."

In a statement released on Friday afternoon NIFL confirmed the Ports had been "found in breach of Rule 20(h)".

However, the Shamrock Park side released their own statement stating their "shock" at the decision and their decision to appeal the punishment.

The statement read: "This afternoon, Portadown FC were shocked to have received notification from NIFL that we will lose the 3 points earned on Sunday 4th December.

"We intend to appeal this decision immediately as we believe the correct procedures were followed throughout.

"We will keep our supporters, who have given the club great backing in tough times recently, updated as much as we will be allowed.

"Until the appeal process has been heard, the club will not be issuing any further comment on the matter."

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