Glentoran vs Larne abandoned as NIFL chief explains swift decision
Gerard Lawlor believes referee Christopher Morrison made the "right call" in abandoning Saturday's game between Glentoran and Larne after the floodlights failed early in the second half.
Two separate issues with a generator resulted in the game being called off after 54 minutes with the score locked at 0-0.
The fixture will need to be rescheduled for a later date, inflicting another headache on champions Larne who now have six games in hand over leaders Linfield.
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NI Football League CEO Lawlor told the BBC: "I am obviously just here watching the game. I got a message about five minutes before half-time. I believe the Glentoran people went to turn the lights on and the generator wasn't clicking on.
"We then looked at it at half-time and the two clubs worked together. I have to say credit to both clubs because they have been in agreement today.
"The lights then came on, but unfortunately they then went out again and they couldn't get the generator to come back on.
"It was 0-0. In case we didn't get the game finished, or someone scored before the lights went out, a decision was made. And I do believe the sensible decision the referee made was to call the game."
Lawlor added: "It is a big congestion for Larne. They are out of the two cup competitions which helps us as a league. It could have been a lot worse.
"Our staff are looking at the fixture schedule. I know people are unhappy, but before this situation deteriorated any further, the referee made the right call.
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"It is a headache to reschedule these games. But we have a great team at NIFL and we will sit down to fit the game in."
Meanwhile, Larne boss Gary Haveron accepted Saturday's abandonment but admitted it is the last thing Larne need as they continue to play catch-up in this season's title race.
He said: "I wasn't aware of any issues before kick-off. The first I heard was when we came out and they said they were having a few technical issues but the game was on.
"But as soon as the lights went off, it was pretty conclusive that the generator was leaking and overheating, and there was no chance of it going again.
"I think there was little confidence it would get going again, so the decision was made. There was no point starting to play if we were never going to finish the game.
"I think the generator issues made it an easy decision, with there being two different problems. It is really unfortunate and it's the last thing we need, another game of football.
"We have to come back and do it again."
He added: "It is very difficult. You would much prefer having the points on the board than games in hand. It is the hand we have been dealt, and we have been a victim of our own success."
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