JUNIOR CLUB Sheriff YC were yesterday expelled from the FAI Ford Cup for fielding an ineligible player in their rousing fourth-round defeat of Shelbourne last month. From Dublin’s inner city, Sheriff, who play in the Athletic Union League, played midfielder John Lester, who had recently signed for them after last playing for League of Ireland Premier Division side Drogheda United, as they came from two goals down to beat the First Division leaders 3-2.

However, administrative anomalies in relation to Lester’s registration were discovered, including his regrading from senior to junior football ranks. The club was last night meeting to consider whether to appeal the decision and have until 1 PM today to do so.

“The FAI Domestic Committee has removed Sheriff Youth Club from the quarter-finals of the 2011 FAI Ford Senior Cup after ruling they played in an ineligible player in their Fourth Round tie against Shelbourne on August 26,” the FAI statement said. “Limerick FC will now progress to the semi-finals. All parties affected by this decision have the right of appeal and any appeal must be lodged by 1pm (today) as per FAI Rule 156C.”

Limerick’s bye into the last four is a decision that has greatly angered Shelbourne, who had not lodged a protest against Sheriff.

“We would like to commiserate with our near neighbours and friends, Sheriff YC, on the decision to remove them from the competition. However, Shelbourne FC is aghast at the decision of the committee not to reinstate our club to this season’s FAI Ford Cup as a consequence of this and will be making no further comment until the club’s Board of Management has examined, in conjunction with its legal advisors, all available options,” Shelbourne said in a statement.