Limerick react to points deduction

Limerick 37 today were fined 1000 euro and forfeited the game against Wexford Youths, awarding the points to Wexford. The club have now released a statement regarding the situation. It reads in full:

Limerick 37 would like to confirm their intention to appeal the decision set down by the FAI Disciplinary Committee today Friday 17th October that relates to the postponed fixture with Wexford Youths on Monday, 6th October. The club are extremely disappointed that the decision without question contradicts the facts set out in official match referees report that has been made available to both clubs and the disciplinary committee. This report not only supports Limerick 37’s explanation of the facts but also compliments the professionalism and courtesy of the club manager and officials. This is in stark contrast to abusive conduct and behaviour of the Wexford Youths officials towards both the FAI and Limerick officials that was outlined in the referees report.

Furthermore, Jack McCarthy, Owner, Limerick 37 wishes to again publicly call on Mick Wallace of Wexford Youths to fully retract his degrading comments concerning the clubs intention to never fulfil the fixture on its original date. These unsubstantiated allegations have without justification brought into question the club and its player’s integrity. This ill thought and irresponsible ‘soundbite’ also flies directly in the face of the spirit of the FAI Participation Agreement to which all 22 clubs signed up to at the commencement of the season.

The club would like to confirm that correspondences were sent to the Eircom League in July outlining their specific concerns regarding the suitability of carrying out warm ups on the second pitch at Ferrycarrig Park. The official response that was received from the Eircom League later the same month was inconclusive in that it failed to address any of the concerns raised. The club are of the strong belief that a definitive response from the Eircom League could have ensured this incident did not take place.

On a final note, Limerick 37 have the safety and welfare of their players as their number one priority at all times and believe that their decision to refuse to warm up on a pitch that was inadequately lit remains fully justified. The club looks forward to the FAI reversing the decision set down as failure to do so will call into question the credibility of the referees report as the evidence on which all disciplinary matters are decided.