Ballymena United manager Jim Ervin has questioned the handling of Josh Carson's three-game suspension which will see him miss tonight's visit from Crusaders.

Carson was initially shown a yellow card for his challenge on Linfield's Ethan McGee on the opening day of the season but admitted afterwards he "got away" with only a booking.

While Ervin was not debating whether the tackle was worthy of a dismissal, he questioned why word of the retroactive ban came six days later with the news breaking only hours before Carson and his Ballymena team-mates would take on Coleraine on Friday night.

"When it breaks in the press, and the player himself is ringing to ask is he available for selection, it's not great practice," said Ervin.

Read more from Ervin here.

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Here is the menu for this evening in the Irish Premiership.

Image source, Inpho

Good evening and welcome to our coverage of this evening's five games in the Irish Premiership.

Early pacesetters Linfield travel to Mourneview Park to face Glenavon in a game that is live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

Cliftonville, who like the Blues have won their opening two games, welcome Dungannon Swifts to Solitude.

Glentoran and Coleraine, who both had dramatic victories at the weekend, meet at the Oval.

Both Portadown and Ballymena United are looking to get their first points of the season on the board.

The Ports are away to Loughgall, whilst the Sky Blues host Crusaders at the Showgrounds.

We will keep you up to date with live text commentaries and in-play clips from all five games with highlights, a report and reaction to follow.

Thanks for joining us - enjoy!

Image source, Pacemaker Press