IFA hand out disciplinary charges to Linfield and Ballymena United

As the domestic game is under a current suspension of fixtures due to the Coronavirus health crisis, the payment of fines by both clubs has been put on hold until the return of the season.

Linfield have picked up the punishment following an incident involving supporters at the game with Carrick Rangers on March 7.

Issued under Article 33.2 of the Irish FA’s Disciplinary Code, it states: “The visiting club is liable for improper conduct among its own group of spectators, regardless of the question of culpable conduct or culpable oversight and depending on the circumstances, may be fined.

“Further sanctions outlined in Article 1.9 of this Code may be imposed.

“Spectators occupying the away sector of a ground are regarded as the visiting club’s supporters, unless proven by the club to the contrary.”

United boss Jeffrey was handed a four-match ban and McLoughlin, his assistant, is facing a three-match suspension for a breach of Article 18.7 of the IFA Disciplinary Code during Ballymena’s Danske Bank Premiership game with Coleraine on March 7 relating to post-match incidents.

Jeffrey was also dismissed during the fixture after receiving two cautions so will serve a further one-match suspension, leading to five games overall.

Article 18.7 reads: “An official who is reported for the 1st occasion in the playing season for misconduct will be sanctioned with a minimum one match touchline suspension and a £100 fine imposed on the official’s club or in the case of a match official a fine of £100 and may be suspended pursuant to Article 15.15.”

Both Jeffrey and McLoughlin were reported by the referee.