Heartbreak for Stockton after being removed from playoff final with Guiseley reinstated

Heartbreak for Stockton Town after being removed from playoff final with their semi finalist opposition Guiseley being reinstated.

The North East outfit was disqualified from the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-off final due to fielding an ineligible player, captain Adam Nicholson, in their semi-final win against Guiseley AFC on April 29th.

Nicholson had received a red card in a prior match against Hyde United, his third of the season, incurring a five-game ban.

While regular season suspensions typically start seven days after a red card, FA regulations mandate immediate bans for play-off matches within that period, a rule Stockton misunderstood.

Despite the club’s claim of exceptional circumstances, the FA panel unanimously rejected their appeal, enforcing Rule 6.9 to remove Stockton from the play-offs and impose a fine.

Stockton Town FC said at 11:41pm on Saturday: “Club Update – Play-Off Eligibility

“Stockton Town FC has been informed by the Northern Premier League that we are ineligible to take part in the 2024/25 Play-Offs.

“While we are disappointed by this outcome, we are currently reviewing the decision and will assess our position before determining next steps regarding the appeal process.

“We would like to thank our players, staff, volunteers, and especially our supporters for your understanding and unwavering backing throughout this time.

“We remain committed to transparency and will provide further updates when appropriate.”

On the 30th of April, they wrote: “Stockton Town FC can confirm that we are currently in communication with The FA regarding a disciplinary matter arising from Tuesday night’s Play-Off Semi-Final.

“We are confident that the Club has acted correctly and in full compliance with FA notifications and procedures. We are engaging with the relevant authorities to ensure the matter is resolved appropriately and promptly.

“We appreciate that supporters may have questions and concerns. Please be assured that we will share a further update as soon as we are able to do so. Thank you for your unwavering support.”

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS 🎥

🟡 @stockton_townfc 1-0 @GuiseleyAFC ⚪

Stockton Town FC advance to the @NorthernPremLge Play-Off Final 🏆
The all important strike coming off the boot of Kevin Hayes. What a hit 🚀

📺 Full game available on https://t.co/Cx0iVqSsS9 pic.twitter.com/Gb4c3YyNv3

— Clubber (@ClubberFootball) May 1, 2025

On May 1st: “Following discussions with The FA, our hearing regarding Tuesday night’s game vs Guiseley will take place tomorrow after 2pm. We maintain that we acted in line with the rules and will keep supporters updated. Thanks for your continued support.”

On May 2nd: “Stockton Town FC can confirm that we have now attended a hearing with The FA regarding the recent disciplinary matter involving the play-off semi final.

“The case is now handed back to the NPL who we are in communication with regarding next steps, and will have more information tomorrow evening.

“As always, we thank our supporters for their patience and continued backing during this time whilst the club is working tirelessly to bring this matter to a conclusion. We will provide an update as soon as we receive official confirmation.”

At 11:41pm on May 3rd: “Stockton Town FC can confirm that the scheduled hearing with the Northern Premier League has taken place. We are now awaiting further communication, and will provide an update as soon as we are able to. Thank you for your continued patience and support.”

Despite the rumors regarding club captain Adam Nicholson’s suspension, this is the information the club has stating the suspension does not start until the 3rd May as expected. pic.twitter.com/hEq8kYiV5k

— Stockton Town FC (@stockton_townfc) April 29, 2025

LEAGUE STATEMENT:

Stockton Town appeal dismissed, Guiseley reinstated into NPL Playoffs

A Northern Premier League disciplinary panel met tonight to consider a charge against Stockton Town FC for a breach of Rule 6.9, fielding an ineligible player.

The charge was raised following an FA Regulatory Commission on Friday 2nd May to consider FA Charge E12. The Commission found the case against the club and player Adam Nicholson proven. In accordance with FA protocols, the case was then referred to the Northern Premier League to deal with in accordance with FA Standardised Rules.

Rule 6.9 states:-

Any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a match or matches shall have any points gained from that match or matches deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points (save for in relation to a knock-out match or matches –e.g. the Play-Offs– in which case the Club shall be disqualified from the relevant knock-out competition(s), and have levied upon it a fine. The Board may also order that such match or matches be replayed on such terms as are decided by the Board which may also levy penalty points against the Club in default.

The Board may vary its decision in respect of the points gained in circumstances where:-

(a) the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or

(b) where the ineligibility is related to a change in the Player’s status with the Club for whom he is registered or

(c) where the Board determined that exceptional circumstances exist

The club admitted the charge but cited what it believed to be exceptional circumstances leading to the ineligibility. However, the panel found unanimously that the circumstances put forward by the club were not exceptional. Consequently, and in accordance with Rule 6.9, Stockton Town FC was disqualified from the Play-Offs and beaten Play-Off semi-finalists Guiseley AFC reinstated in their place. A fine was also imposed.

The Northern Premier League Premier Division Play-Off final Worksop Town v Guiseley will go ahead on Monday 5th May 2025, kick-off at 3pm.

Heartbreak for Stockton after being removed from playoff final with Guiseley reinstated, here’s how fans reacted…

@paulbaz10: It’s a shame for the management team players and supporters, but someone has dropped the football, this wouldn’t happen at Sunday morning level never mind at NPL Level. but come on if there is any doubt you don’t play the lad.

@paulad687: Agree it’s a shame, but someone in administration has dropped a real clanger here. If in doubt, check with the FA or don’t play the lad.

@CTmazza004: Mistakes like this do happen mate albeit mainly in league games or fa competitions but not seen it in the play offs ever, however no doubt the person is feeling incredibly low at this point.

@colthomps: 💯 they have dropped a Clanger so they get punished 🤔 same rule for everyone

@nathancoulson98: That’s farcical. Absolute shambles from the league.

@Nomad9Non: The league should hang their head in shame for how long it’s taken them to make a decision.

@Richmetty220771: Still proud of each and everyone involved with the club… well done to the team and the management team unbelievable season.

@davidgibb45: I am sorry that this happened after such a great season. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but surely you triple check that a player sent off will be suspended. Sounds like a memo was not read, just very sad

@0_Ryan_M_0: Joke of a league shouldn’t of took this long to come up with that decision lads put their all into that game

@DarloBill: The replies to this are insane. Blaming the league for enforcing their own rules. You’ve fucked it lads. Welcome to the club

@NealBishop12: Unfortunately for the players and staff they don’t have a leg to stand on, rules are pretty clear. Someone’s dropped an almighty clanger. Come back and win it next season

@Stevecathutch: Disgraceful decision. Late on a Saturday night, the game on Monday. What an utter shambles this has been. So sorry for @stockton_townfc and their fans. Northern premier league officials, that’s really disgusting and cowardly.

@dyIanbrett: 2 years in a row playoffs in non league football has been made a mockery of deary me

@JoeToonMad1: Absolutely scandalous decision from the NPL. @FA should probably step in to help Stockton but they only care about 5 clubs.

@nic_nic5586: Half 11 on Saturday night, the league need whipping

@Connor_RiceyGFC: FA will forever do absolutely anything in there power to fuck over North East clubs and I’ll not hear otherwise

@Lewisking06: What a way for an unforgettable season to end. We’ll be back.

@TheDB30: Don’t know what’s more farcical the fact it took so long to reach a verdict or the fact a statement of such magnitude had to be released as 11:41pm

@JamieGrand84: Heartbreaking for all at Stockton. The @FA’s own system stated that the lad was as eligible to play, and the finding has undone an entire season of work. The FA and the NPL have to do better

@JJT28585: Ridiculous how long it has taken, especially with a tight fixture turn around. Feel for the fans, but the correct decision made.

@1walt4it: An absolute disgraceful decision at this time of night and a shambolic situation that should have been easily sorted out before now . NPL have pissed themselves whilst dealing with this.

@Graz50Steve: I feel for Stockton, and everyone involved with them from top to bottom. But think it’s not the first time the fa and the npl have went against club even with proof. So yea think I would have checked. Good luck boys for next season

@JackgHUFC: shambles from the FA that

@GaryDWood1: Absolute gutted for Micky and the lads but they will be bounce back! The leagues and FA don’t like clubs who come from nothing and are successful and never have! Absolute clowns and should hang their heads in shame!