Rothes are furious after attacker Kris Duncan was ruled out of tomorrow’s Scottish Cup first-round replay against Edusport Academy after receiving a retrospective two-match ban for diving.
Referee Garry Doherty awarded a penalty during the sides’ first match at Galabank on Saturday when Angelo Steyer felled Duncan inside the box, with Steyer booked for his challenge before later being dismissed for a second yellow card.
Rothes midfielder Dale Gillespie missed the spot kick, shortly after having scored another penalty.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw which sets up this weekend’s replay at Mackessack Park. After a notice of complaint was issued to Duncan this week, the former Deveronvale forward discovered through a conference call yesterday he was to be punished for simulation, with Steyer now cleared to play tomorrow after his booking was rescinded.
Rothes manager Steven MacDonald has been left puzzled and angered by the decision.
MacDonald said: “We have seen retrospective action before but never at Highland League level, so I don’t know why they have chosen this game.
“I could understand if it was for stamping or something that could be blatantly punished retrospectively. There were plenty things I was unhappy about during the game, such as their encroachment at the penalty. Their defender was nearly taking the penalty, he was so close to Dale when he missed it.
“It opens a massive can of worms – we all know referees get things right and wrong. It’s part of the drama. I am astonished and confused about this.”