Fielding an ineligible player costs Real Fairford ten points (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Fielding an ineligible player costs Real Fairford ten points

12:06pm Wednesday 27th May 2009

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REAL FAIRFORD, who thought they had won Division One of the Cirencester & District Football League with a victory on the last day of the season, have been stripped of the title.

The league’s Management Committee has found them guilty of using an ineligible player and has docked them ten points.

Real Fairford’s revised total of 43 points drops them down to third place with the Division One title going to South Cerney (52 points). Ashton Keynes (49 points) now finish as runners-up.

It is the first league title for last season’s runners-up South Cerney since they won for four straight seasons starting in 1992-3.

The league’s Fixtures Secretary, Phil Smith explained: "Real Fairford used a player, Matt Reynolds, who was ineligible in that he had played for at least 50 per cent of the season in teams of a higher classification – Fairford Town and Fairford Town Reserves.

"The committee can impose whatever punishment they see fit in those circumstances and it was decided to deduct ten points from Real Fairford – exactly the number of points they earned during the five games when Reynolds was in the side.

"It is a shame that an otherwise excellent and competitive season has had to end in this fashion.

"Real Fairford broke the rules and we have to run the league for the benefit of all the teams involved.

"It is the first time in the history of the league, which began in 1921, that a club has been stripped of its title.

"There was a case in the first half of the 2002-3 season when Cirencester Town were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player and that effectively cost them the title in a tight finish with Poulton."

Real Fairford manager Cliff Taylor, who admitted the club did not appeal against the decision, said: "It is immensely frustrating, but there is no point getting bitter and twisted.

"The best team is the one that earns the most points so I imagine South Cerney are feeling theirs is a rather hollow victory.

Taylor went on: "The ethos of Real Fairford is to create a real community club in which young talent can develop and play at the highest level possible. Winning the league title was a triumph but a bonus as we don’t see trophies as being the be-all and end-all.

"We have had a fantastic season and I was immensely proud that at the recent combined presentation night of Fairford Town and Real Fairford, all ten awards were won by current or past Real Fairford players. I don’t think the league appreciates what we are trying to do."

There is yet another cloud on the horizon for Real as they have been charged by the GFA with not controlling their supporters at the Arthur Shipway Final on May 7 which they lost 2-1 to Bibury.

There was an incident towards the end of the game when a spectator ran on the field and was involved in a fracas in the aftermath of a Real Fairford player being sent off.

Real were due to discuss the GFA charge along with the loss of their Cirencester League title at their AGM on Wednesday night. "We will formulate a response to both the Cirencester League management committee and also the GFA at the AGM," said Taylor. THE Ciren League will again start with a total of 30 sides in the 2009-10 season. Lechlade return to the fold, Stratton Utd and Poulton launch reserve teams and Beeches Reserves are being reformed.

The league is also close to sealing a deal with a sponsor for the first time.

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