A non-league club based in Liverpool have been expelled from the FA Cup after a mix-up over an unpaid fine of just £10.
Litherland REMYCA have been punished for unknowingly fielding a suspended player.
The man in question took to the field for the team’s 4-2 win over Charnock Richard in the extra-preliminary round on August 11.
At the time, he still had a one-match ban hanging over his head for not paying an “administrative fine” at his previous club.
The fine was carried over from the previous season – unbeknown to Litherland, reports the Liverpool Echo.
A spokesman for the Merseyside club said “the fine carried over without our knowledge nor that of the player from the previous club.”
A club statement read: “This is a massive blow with numerous implications, including financial issues as part of the penalty includes removal of prize money and future gate and match day income.
“The sanctions for a minor administration technicality are considerable, but we must dust ourselves down, learn from the experience and come back stronger.”
Litherland play in the North West Counties League Premier Division and face AFC Emley in the FA Vase on Friday.
The full statement on the club’s website read:
“Following a series of hearings at Wembley the club have been eliminated from the FA Cup and the tie awarded to Charnock Richard FC, who we beat in the previous round.
“They will now play Leek Town FC in the next round.
“It has been a difficult week for the club following disclosure that a REMYCA player was on the system as suspended for non payment of an administrative fine of ten pounds.
“This matter concerned a player who was not at the club last season, but the fine carried over without our knowledge nor that of the player from the previous club.
“It was flagged up following a recent game and subsequently picked up by the FA who have brought this action.
“Despite what we considered a strong case and representation at appeal hearings, today the FA have considered their case regarding the ineligibility of the player as proven.
“This is a massive blow with numerous implications, including financial issues as part of the penalty includes removal of prize money and future gate and match day income.
“The sanctions for a minor administration technicality are considerable, but we must dust ourselves down, learn from the experience and come back stronger.
“No further comments will be made on this issue.
“We now move on to face AFC Emley in the FA Vase on Friday.”
