Ballymena United say they will "consider their right to appeal" after star forward Ben Kennedy was slapped with a five-game ban.

The Sky Blues' top scorer has been handed the lengthy ban for "unsporting conduct towards a match official”.

It comes following Kennedy's dismissal in the 3-2 win over Loughgall on December 21 when he picked up a second yellow card with only eight minutes to go at Lakeview Park.

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The former Crusaders man subsequently missed Ballymena's next game, the 2-2 draw at Coleraine on Boxing Day, but now could be set for an extended spell on the sideline.

Article 14.15 of the Irish FA’s Disciplinary Code states: “A player or official who is reported for unsporting conduct towards a match official will be sanctioned with a minimum 5 match standard suspension and a £100 fine imposed on their club.”

The Sky Blues have the right to an appeal and confirmed in a statement released on Saturday that they would consider their options.

"Ballymena United have been made aware of the further suspension imposed upon Ben Kennedy after his dismissal against Loughgall FC,” the club said. “We will consult and consider our right to appeal this suspension. We will be making no further comment at this time.”

The club is still awaiting the outcome of their appeal on Josh Carson's retrospective ban following his tackle on Ethan McGee during the opening game of the season against Linfield.

Carson, who was also sent off against Loughgall last month, was handed a three-match ban for the challenge despite only being handed a yellow card on the day by referee Lee Tavinder.

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