Cliftonville Captain Faces a 16-game Ban due to Assault Allegations
In a dramatic turn of events, Kelsie Burrows, the captain of Cliftonville Ladies, has been cleared of an assault charge after a successful appeal against an initial 16-game suspension handed down by the Irish Football Association (IFA). The decision was made following an "Obvious Error Challenge."
The incident occurred during a women's football match on July 25, between Cliftonville and Glentoran Women's teams. Referee Simon Bickerstaff, who was officiating the match, issued a red card to Kelsie Burrows, leading to her disciplinary action.
Despite the initial suspension, the appeal overturned the disciplinary action, meaning Burrows will not serve the suspension related to the alleged assault. Cliftonville is also pushing the IFA to review their disciplinary process after this incident.
Meanwhile, team coach Brendan Lynch received a three-match ban for entering the field to confront a match official during the same incident.
With the suspension cleared, Burrows will be able to participate in the upcoming Premiership match against Crusaders Strikers on Friday. Cliftonville currently holds a position six points behind league leaders Linfield, with two games in hand. The team secured a 2-0 victory in their last match, which they played without their captain.
BBC Sport NI has reached out to Cliftonville, the Irish FA, and NIFL for their comments regarding the situation. The details of the appeal hearing and the evidence presented are yet to be disclosed.
Kelsie Burrows, a key player for Cliftonville Ladies, has the option to appeal the 16-match suspension if she wishes to do so. However, for now, she can focus on leading her team in their upcoming matches, aiming to close the gap at the top of the Premiership table.
Kelsie Burrows can now participate in the upcoming European leagues matches, given her suspension has been overturned, allowing her to focus on strengthening her team's position in the Premiership table. While the team's captain was initially banned from football for 16 games, the decision was overturned following an "Obvious Error Challenge," enabling Burrows to play in the upcoming Premier League match against Crusaders Strikers.
