Roddy Collins fails to overturn touchline ban

Roddy Collins’ appeal against his six-match touchline ban, and fine of €1,500, has been rejected by FAI’s Disciplinary Control Unit.

The Waterford United manager was first informed of the fine and touchline suspension last week following an article he wrote in his column in the Irish Daily Star criticising the state of the League of Ireland.

Regarding the state of the league, Collins wrote: “It would be lost without the supporters and voluntary workers, everyone who tries their hardest to make it happen. Outside of that it’s a shambles.”

Collins appealed the decision of the FAI’s Disciplinary Regulations Officer to charge him for his comments but his plea of innocence was rejected and he will now serve a suspension as well as having to cough up the hefty fine.

The suspension will begin as of this Friday night, when the Blues host Munster rivals Cobh Ramblers at home in the RSC.

Former UCD and Bohemians manager and current Blues Assistant Manager Aaron Callaghan will take charge of the side for the game, as well as presumably filling the void left by Collins for the remainder of his touchline suspension.

Waterford United issued a statement via the club’s website where they condemned the decision of the FAI to impose the sanctions on Collins, and they’ve stood by their manager who will be a year in charge of the club in May.

A club statement read: “The club is disappointed that this draconian punishment impacts on the team but it is our belief that the coaching staff, the players and the fans will rise to the challenge and continue to drive the club forward. Mr Collins will be addressing the latest decision with his legal team.”