Shamrock Rovers have failed in their latest attempt to have the three points they were docked for playing Paul Shiels while suspended restored to them.

The club had pushed the case to arbitration in the belief that the league had failed in their responsibilities by not informing Rovers that Shiels had an outstanding suspension when he signed for the club in the wake of Dublin City's collapse.

The club's board will consider this latest setback, which is a significant blow to Rovers' hopes of finishing top of the first division, when they meet this evening.