Linfield star Daniel Finlayson’s appeal hearing over five-game ban postponed

Daniel Finlayson was hit with the ban after an alleged incident against Dungannon Swifts

Linfield defender Daniel Finlayson must play on with the threat of a five-match ban hanging over him after an appeal hearing regarding alleged verbal abuse of an official was postponed.

The Blues are contesting the charge and were ready to argue their case on Wednesday night but not all parties involved were available, so the hearing was adjourned.

The alleged incident occurred at a game on August 12 but it will not be resolved until next month at the earliest.

Finlayson has been accused of aiming a verbal volley at fourth official Louise Thompson after he was sent off in the Premiership game against Dungannon Swifts at Stangmore Park.

The former Northern Ireland Under-21 international was booked twice in the Blues’ 3-2 win, with the second caution handed out by referee Keith Kennedy in the 93rd minute.

He is alleged to have had words with Thompson and was hit with a heavy ban by the Irish FA.

The Irish FA has confirmed the hearing has been adjourned and no official rescheduled date as yet.

Right-back Finlayson was punished for a breach of the Association’s disciplinary code 18.15 which states: “A player or official who is reported for unsporting conduct towards a match official will be sanctioned with a minimum five match standard suspension and a £100 fine imposed on their club.”

The ban would have taken effect immediately, however Linfield decided to challenge the notice of complaint. The suspension was lifted pending the hearing.

The Belfast Telegraph understands that the alleged verbal abuse is nothing to do with the fact a female is involved.

Finlayson has been able to keep playing for David Healy’s side, however he did serve