Torquay United docked one point for fielding ineligible player

Torquay United have been hit with a one-point deduction from the National League South table for fielding a suspended player. The Gulls, currently in administration and already hit with a 10-point deduction due to financial issues, now find themselves on 47 points following this latest penalty.

This deduction sees Torquay drop to 19th place, just below Truro City, with only three matches remaining this season. It means that the Gulls will not be able to be safe this weekend, which was a possibly had they won away to Bath City, and other results gone their way.

While the National League has not disclosed the identity of the suspended player, the FA's website indicates that Ross Marshall confessed to playing for the the 1-1 draw against Weymouth on 2 March while under suspension.and was fined £250. The club also received a £250 fine for permitting a suspended player to participate. In addition, Torquay has been slapped with a £750 fine by a National League independent tribunal.

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In a statement, the National League said:, An Independent Panel, commissioned by the National League, has met to hear the case of a Member Club who were charged with alleged breaches of League rules. Torquay United Football Club were charged with a breach of League rule 6.9.

Rule 6.9 states: “Any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a match or matches shall have any points gained from that match or matches deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied upon it a fine. The Board may also order that such match or matches be replayed on such terms as are decided by the Board which may also levy penalty points against the Club in default.

The Board may vary its decision in respect of the points gained in circumstances where:

(a) the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or

(b) where the ineligibility is related to a change in the Player’s status with the Club for whom he is registered or

(c) where the Board determined that exceptional circumstances exist”

The findings of the hearing is as follows: The Independent Panel ruled Torquay United Football Club were deemed guilty of one breach of Rule 6.9 for failing to ensure all players were not under suspension prior to participating in a match – therefore fielding an ineligible player.

The Panel concluded that one point gained from the fixture should be deducted from the Club’s record from playing season 2023/24 plus a fine of £750.

Torquay United said: "With Torquay United AFC announcing that a preferred bidder had been identified earlier this week, and with Aaron Downes’ side still facing three crucial fixtures in order to secure their National League South status, the Club will be making no further comment on this decision at this time.

"TUFC would like to take this opportunity to thank the Yellow Army once again for their continued support throughout the course of 2023/24. Everyone at Plainmoor remains fully focused & committed to not only retaining our place in NLS for next season, but also looking forward to securing United’s long-term future, and an exciting new era under new ownership."

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