Dundalk's George Shelvey hit with ten-match ban following red card in Monday’s Louth Derby

Dundalk's George Shelvey with the ball in his team's game against Shelbourne in May 2024 at Oriel Park

Dundalk's George Shelvey with the ball in his team's game against Shelbourne in May 2024 at Oriel Park Credit: Paul Dolan (ETPhotos)

Dundalk’s goalkeeper George Shelvey received a red card for comments made towards an official after the final whistle in Drogheda on Monday – and he has been hit with a ten-match suspension. 

The incident occurred after Drogheda United snatched a late victory in dramatic fashion in the Louth Derby.

The Englishman went up for a 99th minute free kick which came to nothing and the full-time whistle was promptly blown. 

He was sent off after the game ended for verbally abusing a match official.

Referee Rob Harvey handed out the red card to Shelvey.

In a statement made by the League of Ireland today (May 9th), “An Independent Disciplinary Committee of the FAI has sanctioned Dundalk FC player George Shelvey relating to abuse towards a Match Official following Dundalk FC’s game versus Drogheda United FC on 5 May 2024 which was in breach of the FAI regulations on Racism/Discrimination”.

In a statement Dundalk confirmed that they will not appeal the decision and so Shelvey will serve the lengthy suspension with Scottish keeper Ross Munro likely to regain his position between the posts for now.

Dundalk's statement noted:

'The player attended today’s Independent Disciplinary Control Unit hearing in which he explained that he deeply regrets the language that he used towards the referee.

While George realised very quickly that he had used inappropriate language, he did not, at first, comprehend the discriminatory aspect of his words. 



However, having discussed the matter with club officials he now fully accepts that his words were not only offensive, but also discriminatory.

Both George, and the club, accept the sanction imposed by the Independent Disciplinary Control Unit and will not be making an appeal. 

Going forward, Dundalk FC will work with George to develop his understanding of these issues.'

Additional reporting by Macdara Ferris

About Tommy Healy

View Full Profile