JIM BAN APPEAL THROWN OUT

The SFA  has dismissed Jim McInally's appeal against his 12 game touchline ban and £1,000 fine for excessive misconduct.

The game's governing body claims Shire missed the deadline set for informing it of any appeal. This is strenuously denied by East Stirlingshire FC.

"We were told we had seven days to register our appeal," said Shire Chairman Les Thomson. "We took our time and thought carefully about what we should do.

"The club's lawyer e-mailed and phoned the SFA  to notify them of our decision and had it accepted by an official that the appeal would be allowed.

"Now we are told that it won't be heard because it has been time barred. Our lawyer will be discussing this further with the SFA  on Monday."

On Thursday, the final day Shire believed it could tell the SFA  of any intention to appeal, Jim said he had had a change of heart.

"Originally, I  was just going to let the matter go but after discussing it with my family and the people I  trust most in football I  have decided to fight it.

"Other people have got shorter bans for a lot worse and the fine is ridiculous in comparison to what I earn.

"A lot of thought has gone into it. But I can't sit back and have people making comments to members of my family about me being a thug. I am anything but."

Jim had thought the appeal would allow him to resume his position in the dug out for the weekend game with Elgin City at Ochilview.

He will now be back in the stand until the matter has been further resolved.