Waterford appeal eligibility of Finn Harps defender Shane McEleney for Monday night's victory
Shane McEleney embraces goalkeeper Mark McGinley following the 1-0 win over Waterford. Credit: Clare McCahill (ETPhotos)
Waterford have lodged a complaint with the FAI over the eligibility of Shane McEleney for Monday’s night league defeat away to Finn Harps.
The Blues were defeated 1-0 at Finn Park thanks to Adam Foley's first-half strike.
The result saw Sligo Rovers move into fourth position and a potential European spot, depending on the outcome of the FAI Cup.
Harps moved above Shelbourne into eighth place as a result of their win and guaranteed Premier Division for another season.
It has since emerged that Harps defender McEleney had accumulated his fifth yellow card of the season in the win over St Patrick’s Athletic and would have expected to serve a suspension.
McEleney was omitted from the FAI’s suspensions list for Monday’s final-day fixtures, which had been moved back a day to accommodate Derry City’s rescheduled game with Shamrock Rovers.
“Waterford FC can confirm that a complaint has been registered with the FAI regarding our Monday night fixture away to Finn Harps,” read a club statement.
“The matter is with our legal team and no further statement will be made on the matter at this time.”
Should the result be overturned and awarded in favour of the Blues, they would move above Dundalk into third place and guaranteed European football.
Harps would replace Shelbourne in the promotion/relegation play-off with Longford Town on Sunday, while Dundalk would depend on the outcome of the FAI Cup to reach Europe.
