Season over for McClean?

INSTITUTE'S Ruairi McClean is fearful his season could come to an abrupt end, following his dismissal at champions Glentoran, last Tuesday evening.

The midfielder was shown a straight red card by referee Simon Creaney, following an incident with Daryl Fordyce and he was told after the game that he was sent-off for head-butting the Glens man.

Nevertheless he's hoping TV evidence, which is available on Glentoran's official website, will clear his name.

"To be honest I think the whole incident was blown way out of proportion," he said.

"Myself and Daryl squared up to each other after clashing then he moved his head forward and although I wouldn't say it was head-butt there was contact, as the video clearly shows I didn't make a big deal out of it, but the video also shows that I did nothing, so to get sent-off was extremely harsh to say the least.

"In fact I think Daryl should have just got a yellow card and maybe the referee should have had a word with me, but to be sent me off was incredible and whenever I was told I was sent-off for a head-butt I was totally shocked."

If Creaney's report states that McClean was indeed dismissed for heat-butting, then he's likely to receive a six match ban, something which worries the ex-Ballymena United man.

"I already missed Saturday's match against Lisburn Distillery and with only seven games remaining my season is all but over, which would be disappointing," he added.

"I know referee's have a very tough job and it's certainly not a job I would ever do, but I think the referee at the Glentoran game got it wrong and hopefully if he has seen the video then maybe he'll change his mind and I won't get a long ban."

After that match last week 'Stute manager John Gregg was incensed with the Newtownards official, he even felt that a lot of the decisions on the night went against his side.

"Too many times referees make the easy decision, and that is to go with the bigger club or the one with the bigger support," said Gregg.

"It was poor and we were hard done by. It leaves a sour taste in the mouth.

"What happened was very wrong and I was fuming."

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