St. Patrick’s Athletic’s hopes of retrieving the 15 points they were deducted for fielding an ineligible player were dealt a blow this morning when Eircom League authorities found no serious irregularities with the registration forms of any other player.
Ever since being docked the points last March for fielding Charles Mbabazi Livingstone while he was unregistered, St. Pats have contended the league acted unfairly by “singling them out” – the Inchicore club alleged that almost every other club in the league was guilty of administrative lapses. However, the league officer in a statement issued this morning said that:
“Contrary to the allegation that the registration process was in chaos, the investigation [conducted by League Commissioner Roy Dooney] revealed that the registration was being operated correctly and comprehensively by the eircom League clubs, with 2 exceptions.”
The two exceptions, of course, were the cases of Livingstone and another St. Pats player Paul Marney. The league did not impose a points deduction over Marney, but did do so over Livingstone, a punishment which effectively stripped St. Pat's of the championship and handed it to Shelbourne.
The League officers admitted that there were “minor errors” on some other forms, but that these did not negate the registration of the players concerned.
It is thought St. Pats may now seek arbitration on the matter.
Shelbourne General Secretary Ollie Byrne, however, told ireland.comthat his club will object to any move towards arbitration.
Mr Byrne also insisted that, though he is satisfied the matter has been resolved, someone within the league authorities must be held accountable for the series of scandals which have engulfed the league this season. Mr Byrne said:
“There have been serious errors made in certain judgment calls, and whoever is responsible for those should walk away.”
A decision on any dismissals may be taken at this Saturday’s League AGM, and Byrne says Shelbourne will abide by “whatever emerges from the democratic process”.