No punishment for Derry City as Shamrock Rovers match rescheduled

The Brandywell club had feared a 3-0 match forfeit, however, the FAI's Disciplinary Committee today ruled that there would be no punishment imposed on the Candystripes.

Derry were unable to play Rovers in the rescheduled league match last week after a Covid-19 outbreak and the decision of the Northern Ireland Public Health Agency to stand down their entire first team squad.

The club were charged by the FAI in accordance with its participation agreement which brought about widespread criticism of the governing body with ex-Cobh manager, Stephen Henderson particularly outspoken, claiming any punishment would be deemed 'morally corrupt'.

The decision has now forced the FAI into a major reshuffle and an embarrassing u-turn on their 'no postponement' ruling, with the match now pencilled in for this Saturday at Tallaght (k.o. 3pm.)

With the final round of league fixtures originally scheduled for Sunday those matches, including Derry's trip to relegated Cork City will now take place on Monday next.

A statement from the FAI tonight confirmed the news: "Following Derry City’s failure to fulfil the scheduled SSE Airtricity League fixture against Shamrock Rovers on October 28th, the Independent Disciplinary Committee of the Football Association of Ireland has today ruled that no sanctions will be imposed on the club.

"The charge was brought in accordance with FAI rules after a COVID-19 outbreak and the decision of the Northern Ireland Public Health Agency to stand down their first team squad, left Derry City unable to fulfil the fixture.

"The Shamrock Rovers v Derry City game has now been rescheduled for this Saturday, November 7th, at Tallaght Stadium with a 3pm kick-off time.

"Consequently, the final series of games in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division will now place next Monday night, November 9th, with all five games kicking-off at 7.30pm."