Players back fans' boycott - Haveron

Haveron says the players fully understand and support the fans' reasons for not attending the rearranged league fixture at Stangmore Park – a knock-on effect of the ill-fated racism row involving the two clubs.

Ballymena were fined 1,250 by the Irish Football Association after they were deemed to have made racist remarks towards Dungannon's Barbadian goalkeeper Alvin Rouse during the sides' meeting in August.

Ballymena – whose appeal, using video evidence, against the fine was turned down - have always strenuously denied the offence and, while the majority of fans' anger is directed at the IFA, supporters also feel that Dungannon could have done more to prevent the situation reaching the conclusion that it did.

"The club has fully supported what the fans have decided to do and that goes for the players as well," Haveron told Times Sport.

"I played in that match in August and I can genuinely say I didn't hear any racist comments, nor did I hear any player say that they had heard anything that was out of order.

“It was very clear from the video evidence what was actually said, but the IFA came to a different conclusion and I know our fans felt Dungannon didn't really support us in our attempts to clear our name.

“The whole thing has been very hard for Ballymena fans because, as the players know, Ballymena fans are absolutely fantastic at getting behind the team, especially in away matches.”

Gary also rejected suggestions that having no support in tonight's match will put United at a disadvantage against opponents who have won 10 of the last 11 meetings between the sides.

“I don't believe it will make our job any harder.

“It's a very tough place to get a result anyway but if we stick to our task and play as hard as we can, there's no reason why we can't get three points.

“I know it's breaking some of our fans' hearts that they won't get watching their team but I understand their principle and hopefully we can get a result that will cheer them up.

“With the exception of Chris Ramsey (suspended), we have a full strength panel to choose from and there are some very good players who can't even make the bench at present, so we can go to Dungannon with plenty of confidence after our recent run,” added Gary.

The decision on whether or not to attend tonight's match has been left up to individual supporters, but none of the main supporters' clubs has organised official transport to the Tyrone venue.

Instead, the majority of fans are planning to attend United's reserve game against Dungannon at the Showgrounds (7.45pm) where a collection will be taken up, aimed at offsetting the IFA fine.

“I hope the fans who decide not to go to Dungannon will turn up at the Showgrounds because it would give Colin Sewell and the young players in the Reserves a tremendous boost to play in front of a big crowd,” added Gary.

After tonight's game, United are at home to Newry City – another of the sides currently in the lower half of the table as the 'split' looms – on Saturday (3pm).