Two National League member clubs have points deducted for rule breach

Two National League member clubs have had points deducted for a rule breach, the league organisation confirmed on Wednesday.

National League side Gateshead and National League South club Welling United have both been deducted a point for fielding an ineligible player.

A statement was issued by the league, and it can be read in full below, plus we look at how it changes the tables… 

National League Statement: Outcome of club charges relating to the fielding of an ineligible player.

— The National League (@TheVanaramaNL) March 1, 2023

STATEMENT:

An Independent Panel, commissioned by the National League, has met to hear the cases of two Member Clubs charged with alleged breaches of League rules.

Two Member Clubs were charged with a breach of League rule 6.9.

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, 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 findings of both hearings are as follows:

Gateshead

The Independent Panel ruled Gateshead were deemed guilty of one breach of Rule 6.9 for failing to ensure all players were not under suspension prior to participating in a match – therefore fielding an ineligible player.

The Panel concluded that one point gained should be deducted from the Club’s record from playing season 2022/23 and a fine of £750 has additionally been issued.

The punishment means Gateshead are back in the relegation places in the National League – going from 20th place with 33 points, to moving to 21st position, dropping below Dorking Wanderers with the Heed Army’s deduction leaving them with 32 points. 

The gap at the drop zone for Yeovil and Dorking is at one point, and for York, it has changed from three points to four points, and for Aldershot it’s change to six points clear.

Welling United

The Independent Panel ruled Welling United were deemed guilty of one breach of Rule 6.9 for failing to ensure a player had the required international transfer certificate prior to participating in two matches, therefore fielding an ineligible player.

The Panel concluded the one point gained – from the second game – should be deducted from the Club’s record from playing season 2022/23.

Welling said in a statement: Welling United can confirm that, due to an administrative error, they have been charged by the National League for breaching Rule 6.9 (fielding an ineligible player) and have received a one-point deduction. 

An independent panel ruled that the club were deemed guilty of failing to ensure a player had the required international transfer certificate prior to participating in two matches. 

The charge relates to Jay Simpson’s involvement in the games against Dartford and Slough Town, with the panel concluding that the one point gained, from the second game, should be deducted from the club’s record from the 2022/23 season. 

For Welling, they remain 15th in the National League South – seeing a one point deduction to the 41 points gained this season. They are now three points instead of two behind 14th place Dover, with the Wings now 10 points above the drop zone and 15 points from the playoff places.

 

This is what social media users said as two National League member clubs have points deducted for a rule breach…

ON THE GATESHEAD DECISION

@ferrarif50lover: Which means Torquay are STILL the only club ever to lose points we didn’t win for this offence.

@S_Jupp_: How hard is it man 😂

@LRbix: Fuck off. 🖕

@ChappsRyan2000: Can you investigate how @scottpriestnall remains on your board?

@TomPutnam11: Massive point, well played York.

@JimibCalverley: HERE WE GO! #ycfc

@ironbru_net: We’re back on the ride

@Arranweeks_: Having to cheat to have a chance at staying up @GatesheadFC 🥱🥱

@dxnrzx: Helps us a little bit 🤣🤣 #iron

@TheDB30: One normal day of Gateshead Football Club…

Dan Bell: The club aren’t immune to criticism, it’s carelessness and reflects really poorly on us as a club. People have a right to ask questions.

John Bourn: This is a shock and puts us back in the bottom four. Is there a right of appeal?

ON THE WELLING DECISION:

@HardyShorses: Lucky it just a point.

@Matt_Samuels0: Just what we needed…!

@saundeel: So that’s 0 points in the last 3 home games 😂 unreal

@DavidWa17088232: Unbelievable 😱

@telson17: Embarrassing!

@JoelAC11: Lucky it was just the one…

Pete Manners: The club is being run like a pub Sunday league team. This is beyond basic make sure you have all documents before the player is in the squad.

Kevin Hailstone: How on earth can something so basic be allowed to happen? There is no excuse. It’s lucky it shouldn’t make a difference but had it happened last season it would have meant relegation.

Chris Wallis: We were obviously desperate to play Jay Simpson. Hopefully the club can cheer us up by informing us that Feeney has been sacked.