Dunfermine expelled from Scottish Cup, will appeal

(GSM) – Scottish first-division side Dunfermline are set to appeal their removal from the Scottish Cup after the Scottish FA expelled them for “rules breaches” in their tie against Stenhousemuir.

Dunfermline defeated Stenhousemuir 7-1 on 9 January, but they fielded Calum Woods, who was supposed to be suspended for the game. In addition, the SFA has accused the club of falsifying their substitutes’ list and failure to properly register youth players.

The club’s manager, Jim MacIntyre, told Dunfermline’s official Web site that he was regretful over the incident.

“We have made an administrative mistake that we hold our hands up for,” MacIntyre side. “We are deeply sorry and would like to take this opportunity to apologise for embarrassing the Club and supporters by this mistake.

“When we did the checks online at the SFA website, the wrong page – Cup Cautions – has been checked. It was an honest mistake.”

Precedent for such a move exists after Brechin City were dumped from the Cup in the 2007/08 edition of the competition for fielding ineligible players.