Ayr United have been awarded a 3-0 Premier Sports activities Cup victory after Elgin Metropolis fielded a suspended participant throughout their weekend conflict. The Highland aspect introduced on Darryl McHardy as a thirty third minute sub of their Group F encounter at Somerset Park on Saturday, regardless of the defender having an impressive one-match SFA ban.
Elgin admitted to the blunder following the 0-0 draw, after which Ayr walked away with a bonus level having edged out their League Two opponents in a penalty shoot-out. An SPFL probe has now been concluded, with Ayr handed most factors and Elgin fined £1000 for the error.
A press release from the league physique stated: "At a disciplinary listening to immediately (Thursday 14 July, 2022) a sub-committee of the board of the SPFL charged Elgin Metropolis FC for taking part in Darryl McHardy of their Premier Sports activities Cup Group F match in opposition to Ayr United FC at Somerset Park on Saturday 9 July, 2022.
"Darryl McHardy was a listed substitute and entered the sector of play at 33 minutes when he changed Jake Dolzanski. The match resulted in Ayr United profitable 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
"Elgin Metropolis FC admitted breaching SPFL Guidelines and Rules by enjoying the participant within the match whereas he was serving a one-match Scottish FA suspension. The Tribunal imposed the next sanctions: (i) The Membership was reprimanded and warned as to future conduct; (ii) Elgin Metropolis’s Premier Sports activities Cup match v Ayr United FC can be recorded as a 3-0 victory for Ayr United; and (iii) A advantageous of £1,000, of which £500 is suspended till 30 June 2023 pending any additional breaches of SPFL participant rules."