Loch Ness kicked out of cup competition and deducted league points after North Caledonian Football Association found them guilty of fielding an ineligible player
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LOCH Ness Football Club have been kicked out of the Football Times Cup and deducted points in the North Caledonian League after being found guilty of fielding an ineligible player in three matches.
The North Caledonian Football Association confirmed action has been taken against the Fortrose based club after it ruled they fielded an ineligible player during three matches this season.
The player or players have not been named, but the matches included Football Times first round and quarter final matches against Invergordon and Clachnacuddin A which took place on August 26 and September 16.
As a result, Loch Ness have been kicked out of the competition and both Invergordon and Clachnacuddin A have been reinstated and will face each other in a rearranged quarter final match.
Loch Ness were also found guilty of fielding an ineligible player in the North Caledonian League match on August 19 against Clachnacuddin A which they won 5-0.
As a result, Loch Ness have been deducted three points and Clachnacuddin A have been awarded three points.
In response, Loch Ness says it will appeal against the decision.
A statement from the club said: "Loch Ness FC has received a charge from the North Caledonian Football League regarding the eligibility of a player over three fixtures, under the statutes of international clearance.
"We will promptly engage with the relevant authorities via an appeal process, as we firmly believe that the club has not committed any administrative error and has diligently fulfilled all necessary requirements.
"The player in question has played for a number of clubs in Scotland as a trialist.
The player also played junior football as recently as last month for two games. The Player possesses a Scottish I.D. number. When checking the SFA player registration database (extranet) all criteria had been met for said player to play as a trialist no red flags had come up in regards to international clearance. Loch Ness have followed normal protocols in line with the information given by the extranet regarding said player. Following this, it is our belief that the alleged error is of external origin. Therefore, Loch Ness should not be held accountable for mistakes beyond the club's control."
