Dons are punished over Darlington blunder

AFC Wimbledon were today deducted eighteen points by the Ryman Football League for playing an illegible player in Jermaine Darlington and as a result have dropped from fourth place to thirteenth in the Ryman Premier League table.

A statement issued by the Isthmian Football League on their website www.isthmian.co.uk said: “A personal hearing took place this morning before a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Isthmian Football League Ltd. in respect of a charge for a breach of Rules by AFC Wimbledon Football Club in that they had played Jermaine Darlington for the club in eleven League matches before an International Registration Transfer Certificate was obtained.

“Having considered the evidence tendered before them and the plea of mitigation put today by the Club, the decision of the Board is that as AFC Wimbledon did not obtain an International Registration Transfer Certificate in respect of Jermiane Darlington, the Club is in breach of League Rule 6.1.

“It follows that the Club has played an ineligible player under Rule 6.8 in eleven League matches.

“The Board felt that they must deduct the points gained from those matches and levy a fine in accordance with the Fines Tariff.

“Accordingly, AFC Wimbledon are deducted 18 points and must pay a fine of £400.

“An appeal by the Club against this decision lies to The Football Association in accordance with League Rule 17.4.”

AFC Wimbledon, meanwhile, issued this statement on their website www.afcwimbledon.co.uk : “AFC Wimbledon has been found guilty of breaching Ryman League Rule 6.1 in that Jermaine Darlington played eleven games for the club before an International Registration Certificate was obtained.

“Because the club was found guilty of breaching Rule 6.1 the Committee also considered Rule 6.8 which deals with playing an ineligible player. The Committee has also found AFC Wimbledon guilty of breaching Rule 6.8.

“As a result of these decisions, the Appeals Committee has deducted the eighteen points earned by AFC Wimbledon in the games in which Jermaine Darlington played whilst ineligible.

“The Committee has also fined the club £400 and the costs of the hearing. An appeal to the FA is allowed and must be lodged within 14 days.

“The board of AFC Wimbledon is very disappointed with this outcome and intends to consider the options available to it. Until it has done so, there will be no further announcements.”