Patterson (right) walks off after being dismissed by Turkington (left)

Patterson, just back after a touchline ban, was sent off in Cliftonville's stormy County Antrim Shield defeat by Glentoran on Tuesday.

The Reds boss believes that he let down the club on Tuesday.

But Cliftonville's director of team affairs Gerard Lawlor has reassured the manager about his future.

Lawlor also confirmed that they will appeal against Patterson's dismissal in Tuesday's game.

The Cliftonville official told BBC Sport that he had had an "honest chat" with the manager.

"We assured Eddie that he a future at the club as together we are building something worthwhile," said Lawlor.

Patterson faces an automatic eight-game ban after being sent off at Windsor Park.

Glentoran, on their own, did not beat us Eddie Patterson

He is just back from a four-game ban, so this new red card is considered a second offence, which carries an eight-game suspension.

After Tuesday's defeat, Patterson launched a scathing attack on the match officials.

Reds player Declan O'Hara was dismissed before referee Brian Turkington ordered Patterson from the dugout.

"Everyone has seen a good game ruined. Glentoran, on their own, did not beat us," he said.

A baseball was thrown at Patterson from the enclosure holding Glentoran fans as he made his way off the pitch.

The Solitude manager was in his second game back after serving a his previous four-match suspension.

"I've questioned myself in the past about being paranoid but I'm beyond that now," added Patterson.

"There was a sending off and cards were not issued to the other team.

Patterson shows the object thrown at him after his dismissal

"We've videoed the game and that will go to the Irish FA along with some comments made to our dugout.

"If we had kept 11 players on the park we would have won that game, without a doubt.

"We were under the cosh in the second half because the boys were tired.

"I've got in trouble in the past but I'm going to leave it to club officials this time."

Glentoran boss Alan McDonald was happy to reach his first final with the club but he was critcial of his team's finishing.

"Chances don't come along often against good teams like Cliftonville so you have to take those chances," said the former Northern Ireland captain.

"It would certainly have made it a bit easier for me in the last 10 minutes.

"Unfortunately, we didn't do that and that made it a bit difficult.

"All you need is for one person to slip or for there to be a little ricochet and it's all-square."