Glentoran will now pursue European qualification via the play-offs after a goalless draw against Larne in the final Sports Direct Premiership fixture of the split at Inver Park.
In a tightly contested game that saw few clear-cut opportunities, the Glens needed a win to secure second place and automatic entry into the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers but were unable to find a breakthrough.
Declan Devine’s side started brightly, enjoying spells of possession that disrupted Larne’s rhythm. Jordan Jenkins had the first real sight of goal on 35 minutes, but the striker’s effort from Danny Amos' cross was sliced wide of the target.
Shortly before the interval, David Fisher cut inside and tested Rohan Ferguson with a low drive, but the Larne goalkeeper was equal to it as the sides went in level at half-time.
Half-Time: Larne 0 – 0 Glentoran
Larne responded after the restart, with Mark Randall forcing a superb save from Daniel Gyollai early in the second half.
At the other end, Danny Amos tried his luck from distance, narrowly clearing Ferguson’s crossbar.
As the match entered its closing stages, Glentoran pressed hard for a winner. Joe Thomson appeared to be bundled over inside the area following a cross from the left, but appeals for a penalty were waved away.
David Fisher also went close with a half-volley, but the breakthrough proved elusive.
At the final whistle, tensions boiled over, resulting in a confrontation involving players from both sides. Match officials issued several red cards following the incident.
Glentoran will now turn their focus towards the European play-offs, with the semi-final scheduled for next month.
Full-Time: Larne 0 – 0 Glentoran
