Forward to miss next 10 games after IFA sanction
Rory McKee
r.mckee@ardschronicle.co.uk
ARDS are set to be without the services of Ross Hunter until the end of January after the forward was issued with a 10-match suspension by the Irish Football Association.
It relates to an incident during the Championship side’s 2-2 draw with Newington on November 2, in which Hunter (22) is alleged to have breached Article 23.1 of the Irish FA Disciplinary Code around discrimination.
Ards have confirmed they will not be challenging the decision, but said that they have ‘highlighted concerns’ on the matter with the governing body.
In line with Article 23.1, the club has also been fined £500 as a result of the incident, with Hunter’s ban coming into effect from the start of this week (Monday, November 25).
That means that he will be sidelined for fixtures including the Boxing Day derby with Bangor and the Irish Cup Fifth Round tie against Ballymena United on January 4. If Ards were to get past Ballymena and reach the Sixth Round in early February, then Hunter would be available to return to action for that tie. Should they not, then the next game he will be eligible for is the league clash against Bangor scheduled for February 8.
Article 23.1 of the Disciplinary Code states that anyone who offends the dignity of a person or group of persons through contemptuous, discriminatory or denigratory words or actions concerning race, colour, language, religion, sectarianism, or origin shall be suspended for a minimum of 10 matches.
‘Where the perpetrator is a player a minimum fine of £500 will be imposed on senior clubs, £250 imposed on intermediate clubs and £150 imposed on junior clubs,’ it continues.
In a statement, Ards FC said: “We will not be challenging the decision, and while the club in no way condones Ross’ actions, we have highlighted concerns on the matter to the Irish FA.”
Fan-favourite Hunter joined Ards in August 2022 from Premiership side Glenavon and has since made 87 appearances, scoring 19 times.
His absence is a further blow to Ards who now have just one recognised senior forward, Lee Newell, available for selection with summer signing Zach Barr recovering from the broken collarbone he sustained against Institute a fortnight ago.
