AFC Wimbledon's Great Escape: Exclusive reaction from Thanet

At an FA Appeal Board meeting today, the points reduction imposed on AFC Wimbledon by the Ryman League was reduced from 18 points to three – which at this moment in time keeps the south-west Londoners involved in the play-off’s, writes Stephen McCartney.

 

The points had been deducted after the club fielded an ineligible player, Jermaine Darlington, who had previously played for Cardiff City and had not obtained international clearance before representing AFC Wimbledon.

A statement issued by the Football Association today said:  “The Appeal Board ruled that, although the Ryman League had not misinterpreted its rules on eligibility and the decision to deduct 18 points was wholly in accordance with those rules, given the specific and unusual circumstances the deduction of 18 points was excessive.”

The £400 fine imposed by the Ryman League, was not reduced.

Following today’s great escape, assisted by the Prime Minister, AFC Wimbledon still find themselves in the final play-off berth – two points clear of Thanet sides Margate and Ramsgate.

Ramsgate chairman Mr Richard Lawson recalls the time, as a Kent League club, that they had a similar situation with Edd and Stuart Vahid.

“I had a similar situation with the Vahid brothers who were in University in Wales,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“We were a Kent League team then and if our secretary could find out what the rules were between the two countries, then I’m surprised if indeed they do state they should lose 18 points, it was reduced so significantly.

“No. We don’t feel hard done by. Wimbledon are a big club who should be playing at a higher league, we all know that but they should be playing to the rules.

“More significantly they’re other clubs who have been punished in the past who will feel very hard done by – what must they be thinking?

“We’ve been up to the FA on a number of occasions over the years and have found them to be really inflexible and it will be interesting to see the reaction of the Ryman League officials.”

“Good luck to Wimbledon, they’ve defended their corner vigorously and they’ve got a result – it’s paid off.”

Margate secretary, Mr Ken Tomlinson, said at least his club and their rivals now know where they stand in the promotion/play-off race.

“It’s a bit difficult for me to comment as our directors went on board to say they should be let off,” he said.

“The consensus was from a lot of clubs that they shouldn’t be left off. 

“In affect they played an “illegible player” and the actual Ryman League implemented the rules as each club are certainly aware of the rules as we agree to them in the first place.

“On a club basis, now we know where we stand, not only us but Ramsgate, Horsham and Tonbridge.

“We need to make use of the home advantage we have left to win promotion or a play-off position.”

Meanwhile, Margate have today unveiled the signing of striker Rob Haworth, 32, from their Ryman Premier League rivals Carshalton Athletic.

Haworth, whose former clubs include Gravesend & Northfleet and Metropolitan Police, lives in Edgware.

The two Thanet clubs are in action on Tuesday night as the promotion race gathers momentum.

Sixth placed Margate welcome a Horsham side to Hartsdown Park that are just one point behind in eighth place.

And seventh placed Ramsgate welcome league leaders Chelmsford City to Southwood Stadium.

Both games kick off at 7:45pm.

Meanwhile, a relieved AFC Wimbledon will tonight be celebrating their great escape.

A statement issued on their website said: “To celebrate the FA appeal committee's decision, why not come down to Kingsmeadow tonight.

“Erik Samuelson will be there and, as far as he is able, he will be very happy to answer questions about the appeal process and how we got to where we are.

”Thanks are due to everyone who has worked on our appeal and the campaign supporting it.

“We have remained dignified and composed during this very trying time, and we should endeavour to do the same now that we have had a positive result.

“Any hint of triumphalism will do us no good whatsoever and, in particular, we would ask you not to contact any of the official bodies involved in our punishment and appeal.

”We will ensure, over the coming days, that official thanks are given to all those outside our ranks who have offered their support to us.”

Visit club websites:

www.thefa.com

www.afcwimbledon.co.uk

www.margate-fc.com

www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk