CLIFTONVILLE star Rory Donnelly has been suspended by soccer chiefs for betting breaches.
The Irish Football Association has suspended the striker for three months from July 30 saying half the punishment will be shelved until the end of the incoming season.
The sanction means the popular north Belfast player will miss the first six weeks of the new season, which begins on August 4.
It is understood the suspension relates to a WhatsApp message regarding the Cliftonville line-up before the Danske Bank Premiership game against Linfield at Windsor Park on April 28 this year.
Donnelly was not involved in the game which his side won 2-1.
The Irish FA Discipline Committee said: “Mr Donnelly was charged with a breach of Article 17 of the Articles of Association as evidenced by a breach of Regulations 45 and 46(c) of the IFA Football Regulations which state: 45. All persons bound by IFA's rules and regulations must refrain from any behaviour that damages or could damage the integrity of matches and competitions and must cooperate fully with the IFA at all times in its efforts to combat such behaviour.”
The committee added: "46. The integrity of matches and competitions is violated, for example, by anyone: C) who uses or provides others with information which is not publicly available, which is obtained through his position in football, and damages or could damage the integrity of a match or competition."
The committee said the charge was "accepted therefore the Discipline Committee considered submissions made by the club in mitigation, both verbally and in writing".
