FOLLOWING the IFA decision to uphold the fine against Ballymena United Football Club following allegations of racist chanting at Dungannon Swifts in August; the club have issued the following statement.

Ballymena United Football Club is extremely disappointed at the outcome of the IFA Appeals Board hearing relating to the alleged racist chanting by supporters at our match against Dungannon Swifts on 15th August 2009. Despite compelling evidence provided by the Club, including video evidence, the IFA Disciplinary Committee and Appeals Board preferred the inconsistent, inaccurate and exaggerated evidence provided by the match officials and Dungannon Swifts FC.

Having carried out a thorough investigation into the matter the Club is satisfied that its supporters were not involved in any racist chanting and therefore we do not accept the findings of the IFA Disciplinary Committee and Appeals Board.

It is regretful that Ballymena United Football Club and its supporters have been labelled as being racist when nothing could be further from the truth. Our Club is committed to the IFA Football for All campaign and welcomes players and supporters from all ethnic and religious backgrounds to the Showgrounds.

The Club will consider its position further at its next Board meeting.