At a disciplinary hearing held yesterday, 24 August 2017, the SPFL Board charged Albion Rovers FC with a breach of the IRN-BRU Cup Regulations.
The charge arose from the participation of player Liam McGuigan as a used substitute during Albion Rovers’ match against Spartans in the First Round of the IRN-BRU Cup on Tuesday, 15 August 2017. Liam McGuigan was, at that time, not registered with Albion Rovers and was therefore not eligible to play in that match.
The tie finished 0-0 after extra time, with Albion Rovers then winning the resulting penalty shoot-out 5-4.
Albion Rovers pleaded guilty to the breach of the IRN-BRU Cup Regulations.
The SPFL has annulled the result of the Albion Rovers v Spartans match and instead awarded the match as a 0-3 win to Spartans. Albion Rovers were also fined £2,000.
Spartans therefore progress to the Second Round of the 2017/18 IRN-BRU Cup in place of Albion Rovers and will now play Linfield at home on 2nd September. Their fixture versus East Stirlingshire has been postponed and will be rearranged for a later date.
