Glentoran are considering appealing Shay McCartan’s shock red card during Monday’s dramatic 1-1 draw with Big Two rivals Linfield.
It is understood McCartan was ‘sent off’ in the aftermath of celebrations on the visitors’ bench following Jay Donnelly’s 73rd minute equaliser for the visitors at Windsor Park.
The twice-capped Northern Ireland striker, who started the game, had been replaced by Gael Bigirimana just 11 minutes before the Glens drew level.
It is understood the fourth official informed referee Andrew Davey of an alleged gesture made towards opposition fans and McCartan was subsequently ejected from the game.
The 27-year-old former Bradford City striker, who joined the Oval club from Ballymena United in August, faces an automatic two game ban as a result.
But the Glens were last night considering an appeal and it is understood they may offer video evidence to back up their case.
The Mersey Street club is likely to claim that McCartan received “sustained abuse” from a section of the home support while sitting on the bench following his 62nd minute substitution.
They may also draw attention to a Linfield player’s alleged gesture at Glens fans in the aftermath of Trai Hume’s opener for the champions.
Linfield led 1-0 thanks to Hume’s strike only for Glentoran, who also lost Conor McMenamin to a 61st minute red card for a challenge on Jimmy Callacher, to level through Donnelly.
A sellout crowd of almost 10,000 attended Monday's derby at Windsor Park.
Linfield and the Glens are level on points at the top of the Danske Bank Premiership heading into the New Year, with the Blues top on goal difference.
