A goalkeeper facing sanctions from the Irish football federation has apologised following an incident last week during which he appeared to shove a ball boy to the ground.
The incident took place during the first half of a match between Cliftonville and Carrick Rangers in the Northern Ireland Football League.
Video footage published by the BBC showed Carrick Rangers goalkeeper Jack McIntyre pushing the boy to the ground after he handed the ball over to the goalkeeper.
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Carrick Rangers, which lost the match 3-0, said in a statement the club and McIntyre want to apologise “for any distress caused,” adding that it “will also endeavour to make contact with the ball tender and their family.”
Local media reported that the Northern Ireland police service said enquiries into the incident were continuing.
The ball boy falls to the ground. BBC
The referee did not book McIntyre for his gesture.
“Any internal disciplinary investigation will, in accordance with employment good practice, remain confidential between the employee and employer,” Carrick Rangers added.
Carrick Rangers boss Stephen Baxter insisted he missed the incident when questioned post-match, saying: “I honestly didn’t see it, I heard the crowd roaring, but I didn’t see any push, so I have nothing to say.”
Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton said: “If he has done that then he is lucky and only he will know.
“I haven’t seen it back so I can’t comment, but if he has put hands on the ball boy and that is the rule then he was lucky not to be sent off.
“You’ll have to ask Jack McIntyre whether he laid hands on the boy or not.”
