Mick McDermott insists that Glentoran’s decision to seek arbitration over his high-profile expulsion from the Ireland Cup is not intended to anger other clubs.
The Oval coach also dismissed criticism of the move, saying the two giants are doing what’s right for players and fans by following a fair “process”.
“I know there has been criticism from the press and social media that Glenn is doing this and Glenns is doing it,” he said.
“No, this is a process. This is not a fighting club. We are not against Nuri nor against Balimina. We are not against the Crusaders.
“That’s what we do in the legal process with IFA to get a fair outcome, and that’s what we do.”
Glens demanded that the matter be referred to arbitration after the Irish Football Association rejected Mercy Street’s complaint a week ago.
Ovalmens were expelled from the Ireland Cup after it was revealed that Joe Crowe was ineligible to participate in the 1-0 win in the New York City quarter-finals.
The arbitration process means that next week’s semi-final matches between Balimina United and Newry, which have been resumed, have been suspended.
The Crusaders, who defeated their opponents in the Cliftonville Derby in the semi-finals last week, are looking forward to the final four extraordinary winners of the show, scheduled for Saturday, May 7.
Speaking on Glentoran’s YouTube channel, McDermott confirmed that the Mersey Street Club was in the process of being “arbitrated in the UK”.
He said, “This is a process. This is not the Glentoran process. This is the IFA charter process. This is the process and this is the only way if we want to appeal.”
A club like us has the right to request arbitration to see if a different judgment can be made, so we will continue to do so.
“The federation’s charter is to protect all clubs and it is important for clubs to realize that these articles are written to protect all clubs, because one day you may need them.
“Club A, B or C may need a refereeing process, so let’s go that way and see the outcome.”
McDermott noted that Cliftonville used the refereeing process to free defenders Gary Breen and Jimmy Harn from qualifying for the 2020 Ireland Cup semi-finals.
The last four matches of 2020 were held in July, after the tournament ended in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Photo: INPHO/Philip Maguin)
Cliftonville successfully claimed that both players would indeed be prevented from ending the season prematurely.
McDermott said, “I know there has been some criticism in the media and some radio stations, but I want to remind people that Cliftonville went through the same process in 2020.
This will allow the two players – Gary Brin and Jimmy Harney – to play the Ireland Cup semi-final against Glentoran.
“They stopped and Cliftonville lost its appeal against the IFA. Then they went to arbitration and the referee found out that Gary Brin and Jimmy Harney could play.
“This decision was made a week before our semi-final match against Glentoran. We didn’t complain, we didn’t scream and we didn’t laugh because it’s a legal process.
“It was a legal right for Cliftonville, and rightly so. They got a positive result and that’s how it works. We didn’t scream and we didn’t scream. We got the trial and we got the verdict.
“That’s why it’s a process of being fair to everyone.”
Source: Belfastlive
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