Institute’s place in Irish Cup Quarter-Finals confirmed as Ards’ protest dismissed

Institute’s Oisin Devlin was ruled eligible for their Irish Cup sixth round tie

Linfield are set to play Institute at The Ryan McBride Brandywell in the Quarter-Finals of the Clearer Water Irish Cup following the Challenge Cup Committee's decision not to uphold Ards' protest against the outcome of last Saturday sixth round game.

On Saturday, ’Stute claimed a 1-0 win over the Red and Blues at the Brandywell thanks to a first half header from Mikhail Kennedy. However, the result of the Cup clash was thrown into doubt when Ards lodged a protest against the involvement of Larne loanee Oisin Devlin.

Substitute Devlin was brought on at half-time, despite not being named on Institute's original team sheet. The Londonderry club added Devlin to the bench after the initial team sheet was submitted, however Ards claim their management team was not informed of the change – an action which contravenes Irish Cup rule 7c.

The Irish FA's Challenge Committee agreed with Ards that Institute had broken rule 7c, however the committee concluded that the infringement 'did not affect the eligibility of the player to participate in the match.'

Therefore, Institute's 1-0 win stands and they will face David Healy's Linfield in the next round of the competition.

Ards chairman Warren Patton said: "I am disappointed in the outcome of the protest, but I am even more disappointed that the Challenge Cup Committee has admitted that a rule breach has occurred yet they have decided that the player was still eligible to participate in the game. This is very confusing to me."

The saga may not be over just yet, as Ards FC have the right to appeal.