Glentoran have lodged an appeal against Shay McCartan’s dismissal in Monday’s dramatic draw with Big Two rivals Linfield at Windsor Park.
McCartan had already been substituted when he was red carded in the aftermath of Jay Donnelly’s equaliser for the visitors at Windsor Park.
It is understood his removal from the game was made after referee Andrew Davey was informed of an alleged gesture made towards opposition fans during the celebrations.
McCartan faces an automatic two match ban after being charged with “using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures”.
However, the Glens have requested an appeal hearing, meaning the player is available for today’s league clash with Larne at The BetMcLean Oval.
The Big Two giants are likely to claim that McCartan received abuse from a section of the home support following his 62nd minute substitution.
They may also call upon video evidence to show a Linfield player delivering what could be construed as a provocative gesture at Glentoran fans in the aftermath of Trai Hume’s opener for the champions.
Linfield led 1-0 thanks to Hume’s strike only for the Ovalmen, who also lost Conor McMenamin to a 61st minute red card for a challenge on Jimmy Callacher, to level through Donnelly.
McCartan, who started the derby, had been replaced by midfielder Gael Bigirimana 11 minutes before the Glens scored their equaliser.
The former Accrington Stanley striker was set to sit out today’s Danske Bank Premiership game with Larne and next week’s Irish Cup tie at Dergview prior to Glentoran lodging their appeal.
According to the latest Irish FA suspensions list, McCartan's two match ban is "pending (a) challenge decision".
