Football: Cats are taking the Michael.

Byline: By MARK McINTOSH

THE FA Premier League has been called in to solve a cash row between Cliftonville and Premiership club Sunderland.

The north Belfast club are demanding the Black Cats hand over pounds 30,000 after their former goalkeeper Michael Ingham made his senior Northern Ireland debut against Germany in June - and legal action could follow.

Cliftonville claim when Ingham moved to the Stadium of Light in July 1999 it was stipulated in the contract that the Reds would receive a payment of pounds 30,000 when he made his first-team debut as well as his international bow - and to date only one payment has been made.

The 25-year-old signed a new deal with Sunderland in 2001 and the same arrangements were in place. Since June, the Solitude board have yet to hear from their Sunderland counterparts. On August 11 Cliftonville sent letters to the FA Premier League and the Irish FA in a last-ditch attempt to sort out the mess.

They stated if they do not receive a reply from Sunderland within seven days, they will begin legal proceeding to get the matter settled. That date has now passed.

"It is really disappointing how we have been treated," said a Cliftonvillesource. "The transfer of Michael Ingham was signed in good faith and were are annoyed at what has happened." A Sunderland spokesperson was unavailable for comment last night.

CAPTION(S):

MICHAEL INGHAM