Date fixed for Mayo club's appeal against controversial replay ruling

Castlebar Celtic's appeal to the FAI over the decision to replay their Connacht Cup semi-final against Salthill Devon will be heard on Friday, June 7.

The matter will be dealt with via a Zoom conference call with all parties invited to make verbal submissions.

The Mayo club won the original fixture at Celtic Park by 1-0 earlier this month.

But the Connacht FA's protest committee ordered a replay on the grounds that their rules regarding the appointment of neutral officials to cup semi-finals and finals had been breached.

However, it is understood the matter had been brought to the attention of the Connacht FA prior to the match and action was being taken to change the officials due to the non-availability of officials from another district.

Consequently, Celtic is making the argument the breach was not made by them - and they should not be punished for it.

Salthill Devon have their own view on the matter and is hopeful that the FAI will uphold the decision of the Connacht FA Protest Committee.

The decision on the appeal is expected to be issued within a number of days of the hearing - but the controversial could drag on for some considerable time.

Maree Oranmore, the Galway League side which has qualified for the final, is also awaiting the outcome with interest.