For many English teams their FA Cup run hasn’t even started yet but for non-league Litherland REMYCA from Merseyside, their dream is already over. They beat Lancashire team Charnock Richard 4-2 in the extra preliminary round and were due to play Leek Town in the next round.
Litherland fielded a banned player
However, the match was postponed as the FA investigated an issue regarding fielding a player that was banned. The player in question had been given a one-match ban due to not paying a £10 fine whilst at another club. The ban had carried over despite him moving clubs and this is a huge blow for the club.
A club spokesman said: “Despite what we considered a strong case and representation at appeal hearings, today the FA have considered their case regarding the ineligibility of the player as proven.”
“This is a massive blow with numerous implications, including financial issues as part of the penalty includes removal of prize money and future gate and matchday income.”
“The sanctions for a minor administration technicality are considerable, but we must dust ourselves down, learn from the experience and come back stronger.”
A costly mistake
Litherland will have to wait until next season to try and make amends for this year’s absence from the FA Cup. This oversight on their part has certainly been costly and is a very strange situation that they could have easily avoided.
