McAreavey to miss cup semi-final

Linfield's Paul McAreavey was sent-off twice recently

Linfield's Paul McAreavey will miss the Nationwide Irish Cup semi-final against Bangor after being handed a four-match ban by the Irish FA.

The Blues midfielder has accumulated too many disciplinary points, having been sent-off twice in recent matches.

McAreavey was red-carded in a cup game against Loughgall and then in a league match away to Limavady United.

His ban comes into effect on Monday but does not cover the Setanta Cup so he can play against Shelbourne that night.

Mark Glendinning of Glentoran has been given a two-match suspension which rules the defender out of league fixtures against Glenavon and Newry City.

IFA senior suspensions
Paul McAreavey (Linfield) 4 matches
Mark Glendinning (Glentoran) 2
Mark Magennis (Limavady United) 2
Ruari Boyle (Institute) 2
Gary Bell (Larne) 2
William Wharry (Larne) 2
Kevin Kelbie (Ballymena United) 1
Barry Johnston (Cliftonville) 1
Keith Mulvenna (Cliftonville) 1
Paul Stranney (Cliftonville) 1
Gareth Campbell (Coleraine) 1
John Watt (Coleraine) 1
Rodney McAree (Dungannon Swifts) 1
Darren Murphy (Dungannon Swifts) 1
Michael Ward (Dungannon Swifts) 1
Barry Reid (Glenavon) 1
Gary McCutcheon (Larne) 1
Aaron Callaghan (Limavady United) 1
Liam Cooley (Limavady United) 1
Richard Dunlop (Limavady United) 1
Gary Spence (Lisburn Distillery) 1
Steven Ferguson (Newry City) 1
Keith O'Hara (Portadown) 1