This won't go away
http://www.derryjournal.com/derry-sport
DERRY CITY appear set to challenge the League of Ireland Disciplinary Committee in relation to the involvement of an alleged "illegal player" following their defeat by Dundak at Oriel Park on July 3rd last.
And should the "Candy Stripes" fail to get any satisfaction from the F.A.I., then it's possible that the Brandywell club could go to the Courts having discovered what Derry believe is a clear-cut discrepancy and a breach of the rules.
Former Portadown and Newry City central midfielder, Michael Collins, played a leading role in Dundalk's 1-0 victory, the Belfast man's competitive debut for the "Lilywhites," however, it has since come to light that Collins had been sent off in the company of Gavin Whelan during a pre-season game against Drogheda United.
As a result of that dismissal, Collins would be expected to serve an automatic one-match ban but because of registration difficulties, the player could not field for Dundalk until the opening of the July Transfer Window.
And that being the case, the first match he would be entitled to play in was the July 3rd meeting against Derry. However, the suspension must also come into play and as the player did not play in a competitive game for Sean Connor's side until the Transfer Window opened, the suspension should have been served in his club's game against the Brandywell side.
While no-one at the Brandywell was prepared to comment on my findings, sources insist that Derry have already set wheels in motion within the FAI's Disciplinary Committee who, it is understood, are currently investigating the matter.
However, it should also be pointed out that Collins' name did not appear in the weekly suspension list at that time, sent to the Press by the Disciplinary Committee, therefore, Dundalk opted to use the player as they will claim they did not receive notification.
Should Derry's appeal succeed, then it's possible that the League of Ireland may overturn the result with the "Candy Stripes" receiving the three points if the alleged breach of the rules has been proven.
http://www.derryjournal.com/derry-sport
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