Police have launched an investigation into an incident where a goalkeeper seemingly pushed a ballboy to the ground.
This incident occurred during Cliftonville`s 3-0 victory over Carrick Rangers on Saturday.
In the first half of the Northern Irish Premiership match, Carrick Rangers` goalkeeper Jack McIntyre went to get the ball for a goal kick.
He then appeared to have a confrontation with the ballboy, who subsequently fell to the ground.
Home fans reacted with loud boos, but the referee did not caution McIntyre.
Northern Irish police stated that “enquiries are ongoing” and confirmed they “received a report of an assault at the football match”.
The Irish Football Association has acknowledged being “aware of the incident”.
They added that “Should the matter be formally referred to the Disciplinary Committee, normal disciplinary protocols will be followed in line with established procedures”.
Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter claimed he did not witness the incident when questioned after the game, saying: “I honestly didn`t see it, I heard the crowd roaring, but I didn`t see any push, so I have nothing to say.”
Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton commented: “If he has done that then he is lucky, and only he will know.”
He continued, “I haven`t seen it back so I can`t comment, but if he has put hands on the ballboy and that is the rule then he was lucky not to be sent off.”
“You`ll have to ask Jack McIntyre whether he laid hands on the boy or not,” Magilton concluded.
McIntyre, 22, previously played for Manchester City, Everton, and Sunderland at youth level but has not made a senior appearance for any of those clubs.
