Matthews banned until end of the year

Longford Town manager Alan Matthews has been suspended from football until the end of the year and hit with one of the biggest fines ever imposed in domestic football.

The sanction arises from an alleged incident involving the manager and a match official at the end of Longford's recent FAI Cup quarter-final tie against St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park.

The incident was noted in the match official's report of the game, which nine-man Longford lost 4-1.

The league's disciplinary committee suspended Mathews from all football until December 31st and fined him €5000 - the largest financial sanction imposed on either an individual or a club in many years.

As it stands, Matthews will play no part in tomorrow's home game against Derry or the upcoming matches against Waterford, Drogheda, Bohemians, UCD and the season-ending tie with St Patrick's

But, in a statement, Longford Town said it would "explore all available options to overturn this decision".

While Matthews has already been notified of the sanction privately, the league is expected to do so officially when it publishes its suspension list on Monday.

Shamrock Rovers have been fined €3000 following pitch incursions and illegal use of flares both during and after their recent FAI Cup quarter-final win over Athlone Town at Dubarry Park.

Rovers, who had trailed 1-0, scored twice in the last six minutes to win the match - much to the delight of the large travelling contingent some of whom spilled onto the playing surface.

The disciplinary committee has warned the First Division club that further occurrences will result in heavy sanctions.

"The board is extremely dismayed by the size of the fine," a Shamrock Rovers statement read, "but cannot condone behaviour that clearly breaks commonly-known regulations.

"The board appeals to all Shamrock Rovers supporters to reflect on such behaviour, appreciate the position in which it can place the club, and consider the financial implications it inevitably creates."

A Shamrock Rovers spokesperson urged fans to "support the club sensibly".