At disciplinary hearings held today (Wednesday 27 July 2016) at Hampden Park, Glasgow, a sub-committee of the SPFL Board heard Stranraer Football Club and separately Cove Rangers Football Club concerning alleged breaches of Betfred Cup Regulations (the Regulations).
Stranraer FC pleaded guilty to a breach of the Regulations in that player Nathan Brown was listed on the team sheet for Stranraer’s Betfred Cup group stage match against Annan Athletic FC on 16 July 2016. Stranraer FC won the match. Nathan Brown was an unused substitute in the match.
Cove Rangers FC pleaded guilty to a breach of the Regulations in that player Lewis Dunbar was listed on the team sheet for Cove Rangers’ Betfred Cup group stage match against Alloa Athletic FC on 19 July 2016. Cove Rangers FC lost the match. Lewis Dunbar was an unused substitute in the match.
The SPFL Board sub-committee determined that neither Stranraer FC nor Cove Rangers FC obtained any sporting advantage.
The SPFL Board sub-committee determined that a sporting sanction would be inappropriate. Both Stranraer FC and Cove Rangers FC were severely censured, were warned as to their future conduct and were fined £2,000. In each case, 75% of the fine was suspended until 31 December 2017. The suspended element of each fine would be activated in the event that the Club concerned were to be found guilty of another breach of any SPFL Rules or any Regulations in any matter regarding player eligibility occurring on or before 31 December 2017.
