The Football League has deducted three points from Rotherham United, a decision which the Championship club will appeal.
The Millers were charged with fielding an ineligible player, Farrend Rawson, in their 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month. On loan from Derby County, the 18-year-old’s temporary agreement had expired the previous day, yet he went on to play 90 minutes against the Seagulls in a result which eased the relegation fears of the home side.
It has now been confirmed that the Football League have docked Rotherham three points, a decision which leaves them just a single point above the drop zone with three matches left to play. However, it has taken little time for the New York Stadium club to announce they intend to appeal this decision, which they believe is the result of a simple administrative error.
“Rotherham United FC are very disappointed by the decision to deduct three points for fielding a player who was ineligible purely because of an administrative error,” a statement read shortly after the decision had been made. “It is our view that true sports fans want to see competitions settled on the pitch and not to have them affected by what happens in disciplinary proceedings.
“We await the reasoned judgement of the Disciplinary Commission and once we have received it we will issue our appeal after discussion with Jim Sturman QC. In the meantime we are confident that our team possesses the spirit to ensure that the points deduction is academic by securing our Championship status on the pitch. It would not be appropriate to make any further comment.”
Have the Football League been harsh in deducting Rotherham United three points, or were they left with little choice due to Farrend Rawson’s appearance?
