Referee Raymond Crangle tries to restore order at Newry Showgrounds

The JJB Sports Irish Cup game between Loughgall and Newry City has been postponed pending an appeal made by Larne over an abandoned fixture.

The IFA awarded Newry City a 2-1 victory over Larne after the game was halted on 82 minutes when fighting broke out between both sets of players.

"The way this has been handled by the IFA is scandalous," Larne chairman Archie Smith told the News Letter.

Loughgall will now play Ballinamallard United in the Championship on Saturday.

Smith added: "We are appealing against a number of things including the result standing and also the mention of Article 33 and the potential for more fines."

Both clubs are still facing a charge of bringing the game into disrepute.

Monday's decision to allow Newry to progress was taken by the IFA's executive board after the commission originally set up to reach a verdict sent the issue back to the governing body.

Newry were fined £800 for their part in the brawl and had an appeal against the fine rejected last week.

Larne were fined £1,200 but the club decided not to appeal against the monetary punishment.

In addition to the fines Larne's Anthony Lagan was banned until 31 May with Robert White and Brian Neeson both suspended for two games and fined £75 each.

Larne manager Paul Millar got a four-game ban and Newry's Cullen Feeney was banned for two games and fined £75.

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