COPS have launched a probe after a goalkeeper appeared to push a ball boy to the ground.
The shocking incident occurred during Cliftonville’s 3-0 win over Carrick Rangers on Saturday.
Carrick Rangers’ keeper appeared to push a ball boy to the floor
The youngster was left on the deck after handing Jack McIntyre the ball
During the first-half of the Northern Irish Premiership game, Carrick’s goalkeeper Jack McIntyre went to retrieve the ball for a goal-kick.
But he seemingly had a confrontation with the youngster, who eventually fell to the ground.
There were loud boos from the home fans but the referee did not book McIntyre.
Northern Irish police said that “enquiries are ongoing” and that “they received a report of an assault at the football match”.
The Irish Football Association confirmed they are “aware of the incident”.
And they added: “Should the matter be formally referred to the Disciplinary Committee, normal disciplinary protocols will be followed in line with established procedures”.
Carrick Rangers boss Stephen Baxter insisted he missed the incident when questioned post-match, saying: “I honestly didn’t see it, I heard the crowd roaring, but I didn’t see any push, so I have nothing to say.”
Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton said: “If he has done that then he is lucky and only he will know.
“I haven’t seen it back so I can’t comment, but if he has put hands on the ball boy and that is the rule then he was lucky not to be sent off.
“You’ll have to ask Jack McIntyre whether he laid hands on the boy or not.”
McIntyre, 22, was on the books of Manchester City, Everton and Sunderland as a teenager but never made a senior appearance.
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