Published Monday, 18 January 2010
In a statement released on Sunday afternoon following a meeting between club officials, Larne FC announced they had begun "an internal investigation into the events."
"We wish to make it abundantly clear that we unequivocally condemn all violence at soccer matches, and make it clear that it has no place within the sport."
The club said it will contact with Newry City officials at the earliest opportunity "to ensure the good relations between the two clubs have not been affected".
Newry City FC, meanwhile, said they were committed to "co-operating fully" with the IFA investigation launched following the brawl.
In a statement released on Monday, the club also said they wished "to express our support for our players".
"Everyone associated with Newry City is greatly disappointed to have become embroiled in such an incident and strongly condemn the use of violence in any form whether on or off the pitch," Newry said.
The club welcomed the statement released by Larne FC and thanked their "security and medical staff for their endeavour and efforts at the time."
The mass brawl at the Showgrounds, which is being investigated by the IFA, erupted following Larne's second dismissal in as many minutes.
After captain Liam Hogan had been shown the red card for lifting his hands to Newry sub Darren King, Alan Reid suffered the same fate after diving in with a horrendous tackle on King 60 seconds later.
Larne Boss Paul Millar, former Newry manager, ran 40 yards to remonstrate with assistant referee Gareth Eakin before being sent off himself, prompting the fighting with eight minutes to go.
Newry's Ross Black, a former Larne defender, was punched while trying to split the melee up.
Pictures also appear to show Rafferty and goalscorer Lagan aiming kicks at the head of Cullen Feeney while the Newry man lay prone on the ground.(See pictures)
The IFA said they will await the submission of match reports before dealing with disciplinary matters.
"The referee will send in his report and then we'll get observations from both clubs involved," IFA President Raymond Kennedy told the Sunday Life.
"Those reports will go before the Challenge Cup committee who will decide what the next step should be.
"Expulsion from the Cup is a real possibility."