East of Scotland Cup Update

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April 28, 2009

Spartans and the East of Scotland Cup

Spartans have reluctantly and regrettably decided not to appeal the decision by the Eastern District to expel the club from the Semi Final stage of the East of Scotland Cup and the SAFA Appeals committee’s decision to uphold the verdict. The club can appeal to the SFA but does not wish to cause further disruption or derail the competition.

The Facts

Spartans signed a player from East of Scotland Senior side Leith Athletic in November 2009 after he was released in October and had trained with the club for a few weeks and following a short injury the player then made his debut for Spartans.

After some peculiar comments posted on a non amateur football forum in February 2009 (4 months later) it was brought to the attention of the club that the player had picked up a red card at the end of the previous season in the Central Scottish league with Leith before they had resigned from the league.the player had played against Pilton Albion Wanderers in the 2nd Round of the East Cup. The player was then not in the squad to face either Plean or Liberton and came on as sub in the last minute of the Quarter Final against Stenhousemuir with the score at 6-2.

At this point Spartans proactively approached the Central Scottish League to bring our findings to their attention and to seek advice on:

whether or not the player had actually received a suspension from the Central Scottish League
whether or not the suspension had lapsed following Leith’s resignation from the Central League, and
if the player was still suspended how this would affect the games he had played in

It transpired that the player had a three match ban carried over from Season 2007/08. The player had not received a letter advising him of a suspension for his red card although Leith Athletic had been aware of it.

The outcome of the Central Scottish League Committee meeting was to severely punish the club, financially, deduct points from the league and suspend the player for 6 games. It was unclear from the SAFA Cup rules whether the player had been ineligible when he played in the East of Scotland Cup. The Eastern District considered him to be ineligible and decided that Spartans should be expelled from the East of Scotland Cup at the Semi Final stage. The SAFA committee then subsequently upheld the Eastern District decision much to the club’s disappointment.

At no point did Spartans attempt to gain an unfair advantage or knowingly play a suspended player and as a club we are extremely disappointed by some of the comments made on forums in regards to cheating and justice being served and we would like to clearly state the events that actually took place. Unfortunately, for the club and the honesty in coming forward we will not be taking part in the semi final.

The Spartans FC wish both finalist good luck on what is truly a superb day and achievement in reaching the East of Scotland Cup Final on May 12th

Finally, the 2′s would like to specifically thank Craig Graham and Jim Martin for their tireless efforts in regards to this case and are very appreciate of all time to pull our case together and attend several meetings.

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