Cove Rangers have been sanctioned by the SPFL for fielding a suspended player on two occasions.
Grady McGrath started for Cove in their 5-0 home defeat against Spartans and in their 1-1 draw at Forfar Athletic with Cove losing out on a possible bonus point in the resultant penalty shootout at Station Park.
McGrath should have been unavailable as he was serving a two-match suspension.
Cove’s match against Forfar, which took place last Saturday, will now be recorded as a 3-0 victory for Forfar with the Premier Sports Cup Group E table amended accordingly.
Cove also received a fine of £1,000, of which £750 is suspended until 30 June 2025 pending any further breaches of SPFL Player Regulations, and were “reprimanded and warned as to future conduct”.
Cove disappointed by decision
Cove released a statement on the matter which read: “Following today’s decision by the SPFL in respect of Grady McGrath, the club wishes to clarify to our supporters and sponsors the reasons why the player was included in our first three games.
“On July 10, Cove Rangers, along with all other clubs, received notification of suspended players. Grady’s name did not appear on that list.
“We were unaware of the two-match ban imposed on the player, as when he signed for us, Grady was a free agent.
“The SPFL only alerted the club to the issue after matchday three, which suggests they too were unaware of any suspension.
“We feel that we have been penalised twice by the authorities – with the points deduction and fine, in addition to Grady now having to serve a two-match ban – and are disappointed by the action taken.
“There will be no further comment at this time.”
Paul Hartley’s side complete their Premier Sports Cup group games against Dunfermline at East End Park on Saturday.