Sport / Whitedale set to be awarded league title after Spurs docked points
WHITEDALE football club look set to be awarded the Ocean Kinetics Premier League title, with champions Spurs to be docked six points for fielding an ineligible player.
The decision was made by the Scottish Amateur Football Association (SAFA) following a meeting on Thursday night.
Spurs had lifted the title in early September after a 4-2 win over Whitedale in a play-off, which was needed after both teams finished on 27 points at the end of the season.
However Whitedale had made a complaint to the Shetland Football Association (SFA) before that game, after Spurs fielded an ineligible player against them in a 1-0 win in July.
That result had a major bearing on the final league placings, ensuring Spurs drew level with Whitedale at the top of the table.
It is believed that a Spurs player featuring in the match was due to face a suspension, but this was not picked up at the time because they were registered as a trialist.
The SFA found that there was no case to answer against Spurs in the aftermath of the title play-off.
That led Whitedale to appeal the decision, taking it above the SFA’s heads to the SAFA.
Following a hearing on Thursday night, the SAFA upheld Whitedale’s appeal and docked Spurs six points – effectively handing Whitedale a first title since 2018.
The SAFA and SFA have not officially confirmed the decision, although Shetland News has spoken to several sources – speaking on condition of anonymity – who have confirmed the outcome.
It is unclear if Spurs can appeal against the SAFA’s call, or whether the SFA may decide to appeal.
The SFA told Shetland News on Friday evening that “new information has come to light in the last 24 hours”, and that it will be “exploring all avenues”.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
