Kelsie Burrows disciplinary sanction

Cliftonville Football Club are pleased that our Obvious Error Challenge to a disciplinary sanction issued to Cliftonville Ladies captain Kelsie Burrows was successful.

Following the outcome, Kelsie commented: “I’m relieved and appreciative that the Challenge was successful. The original sanction was not only going to affect my ability to play the sport I love, but it also took a significant toll on my mental and social well-being. The stress of being accused of something I knew I didn’t do was incredibly emotionally difficult, and it placed strain on my relationships both on and off the pitch.

“I’m proud to represent both Cliftonville and Northern Ireland, and I’ve always tried to conduct myself with professionalism and respect for the game. I’m thankful the Challenge process acknowledged the full context of the incident, and I now look forward to moving on and continuing to give everything for my Club and country.”

Following the outcome of this case, Cliftonville FC calls on the Irish Football Association to review how such matters are communicated on their website. We believe that only the final outcomes of the disciplinary process, once exhausted, should be reported.

Issuing lists of offences and associated sanctions while a process is under way gives a misleading impression, particularly when such serious offences are stated, as was the case in this instance. Publishing what appears to be a final position can lead to issues beyond football for the person concerned, both in their personal life and work environment. We ask the IFA to give this due consideration.