DERRY CITY manager Peter Hutton was fuming that midfielder Philip Lowry was given an additional two-match ban by the FAI's disciplinary committee after his recent red card at Sligo Rovers.
The decision means Lowry misses Friday night's league encounter at St Patrick's Athletic plus another two games, much to Hutton's annoyance.
“We were made aware yesterday that Philip Lowry misses three games, it is a shocking decision,” Hutton said.
“It’s a devastating blow to us considering Richie Towell doesn't miss a game for his incident and Philip receives a three-game ban for an incident where a young, inexperienced fourth official decided to give a red card after being intimidated by the Sligo bench; I think it’s absolutely crazy.
“I feel the whole disciplinary process needs to be looked at given the fact that even the video evidence didn't seem to sway it in any way at all, it’s just ludicrous.”
Hutton will also be missing ex-St Pat's midfielder Conor McCormack for Friday's clash at Richmond Park, but Stephen Dooley may return from his hamstring problem. However, regardless whatever side Hutton selects they are going to be up against it, as the Dubliners are looking to bounce back from last week's FAI Cup exit.
“I think it doesn't help that we have Conor and Philip suspended and we are going to lack that wee bit of bite in the middle of the park, which is a devastating blow," he added.
"Stephen because of the nature of the hamstring injury, you don’t want to be bringing him in too soon and then you could lose him for a number of weeks, so we’ll wait and see. I would image St Pat’s will be a wounded animal after their defeat to Cork, but we are aware that they were well in the game, particularly in the first half.
“If anything, they probably should have been in front at half-time, but that’s what happens in football, it can be a cruel game and Cork punished them in quick succession in the second half.”
Elsewhere on Friday, in the Airtricity League Premier Division, leaders Dundalk travel to Bohemians as they look to close in on back-to-back titles. Second-placed Cork City host fellow struggler's Galway United, but the match of the night at the bottom end of the table sees basement side Limerick visit United Park to face free falling Drogheda United.
In the First Division, leaders Wexford Youths visit Roddy Collins' Waterford United, who still sit bottom of the table. Fellow title contenders Finn Harps take on Cabinteely at Stradbrook and there's a Dublin derby at Tolka Park, with Shelbourne hosting in-form UCD.
On Saturday night in the Premier Division, Longford Town face Bray Wanderers at the City Calling Stadium and Sligo Rovers have home advantage over Shamrock Rovers, while in the First Division, Athlone Town come up against Cobh Ramblers.
