Glentoran to appeal against Ryan Newberry's eight-month ban

Glentoran say they will appeal against the eight-month ban imposed on reserve team player Ryan Newberry following an incident while on international duty.

The ex-Ards midfielder needed more than 50 stitches after punching a window during a row with a team-mate after a match in Macedonia in September.

He had been playing for the Northern Ireland Junior international team at the Uefa Regions Cup in Strumica.

The ban is one of the most severe ever imposed by IFA disciplinary chiefs.

If the suspension is upheld, Newberry will be unable to play until 31 May, ruling him out of the rest of the season.

The IFA has instigated proceedings against a second player, David Wright of Bangor, over the incidents in Macedonia.

It is understood he will face a similar charge of bringing the association into disrepute, and can request a personal hearing.

Newberry, 22, attended a hearing on Wednesday night, accompanied by first team manager Eddie Patterson and vice-chairman Aubrey Ralph.

In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, Newberry said he could not believe the severity of the punishment.

He said they had been out celebrating and lost his temper after being thrown into a fountain by a fellow player.

"I lost my temper and got into an argument," said Newberry.

"I didn't want to hit him so I punched the closest thing to me, which was a window.

"The glass shattered and I ended up getting 54 stitches in my arm.

"I regret it because all I managed to do was hurt myself."

Glentoran signed Newberry from Ards Rangers after he won the Amateur League's First Division player of the Year award at the end of last season.

He is regarded as being on the fringe of the first team but has yet to make his senior debut for the Glens.

Patterson described the ban handed out to Newberry as "draconian" and "farcical".

"The incident happened while Ryan was on international duty, so he should be banned from playing in that context," the Glens boss told the BBC.

"Instead, he has picked up a domestic ban - he was selected on the basis of his performances for Ards Rangers, yet Glentoran are being punished."