Ballymena United have lost an appeal against Joshua Kelly’s contentious red card in last Friday’s 1-0 win at derby rivals Coleraine.
Midfielder Kelly was shocked to receive his marching orders for a professional foul on Stewart Nixon on the opening weekend of the new Danske Bank Premiership.
Referee Andrew Davey initially reached for a yellow card and had it in his hand before switching to red after an apparent consultation with his fourth official.
“We appealed the decision and it has been rejected - to say we are bitterly disappointed is an understatement,” said United boss David Jeffrey.
“Andrew Davey quite clearly had the intention of showing a yellow card to Josh but the decision was then changed to a red card.
“Everyone has seen the footage and it’s interesting that all neutral commentators have all concurred that it wasn’t a sending off.
“We have been told we have no grounds for appeal and I find it incredible.
"Officiating is a very challenging job, but when you see something so obvious, it’s disappointing.”
It isn’t the first time Jeffrey has been stung by a red card at Coleraine after goalkeeper Jordan Williamson was sent off for handling outside the area last December.
Video footage later suggested the ball had struck the shot stopper in the midriff, but again the Braid club’s appeal to the Irish FA was unsuccessful.
Jeffrey was also sent off in a 2-0 home defeat to Coleraine in March, a decision that was eventually overturned prior to the Irish Cup’s return in July.
Kelly, who has emerged as a key player in midfield for Ballymena since joining the club from Ards 16 months ago, will miss Saturday's league clash with Linfield at the Showgrounds.
