Darlington 1883 receive suspended 12 point deduction

DARLINGTON 1883 have received a suspended 12 point deduction from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League after fielding an ineligible player.

The Quakers, currently fifth in the league, were found guilty of fielding Anthony Bell who was ineligible due to not having international clearance to play in England following his move from Cardiff City in August.

The maximum 12 points gained while playing Bell will not be deducted from the club’s playing record unless Darlo face a further charge under Rule 6.9. The club has also been fined.

A club statement read: “Chief executive officer Dave Mills and club secretary Harry Dunn attended a hearing on Wednesday 9th December 2015 during which a panel considered the charge brought against the club under Rule 6.9 – Fielding an Ineligible Player.

“Following a thorough and fair hearing, during which the club’s written submission and personal testimonies were heard, the panel found the club guilty of breaching Rule 6.9 – playing an ineligible player, namely Anthony Bell when he was not eligible to participate due to not having international clearance to play in England.

“The club will not appeal this decision and no further comment will be made.”

An Evo-Stik Northern Premier League statement added: “After considering the evidence and submissions by the club a sanction imposed by the Northern Premier League is as follows:-

“Darlington 1883 Football Club were found guilty as charged with the maximum 12 points gained, whilst playing the ineligible player, being deducted from the club’s playing record. This sanction will be suspended until the end of the current playing season and will not be implemented subject to no further charges under Rule 6.9. In addition, the club has been fined in accordance to Rule.”