Darvel FC@darvelfc
Darvel Football Club Statement
Johnstone Burgh Disciplinary Outcome |
Darvel FC's Committee have issued this statement to update supporters and explain the Club's view on the League's decision to address the illegal substitution issue by only deducting 3 points from Johnstone Burgh.
Many, if not all, of our supporters will feel aggrieved by that decision because only by addressing the disadvantage to Darvel can a fair and sporting outcome be achieved. That Darvel is unable to challenge this decision, the League having explained that only Burgh can appeal, will only add to a justified feeling of unfairness.
It needs to be remembered that as the illegal substitution was made, Darvel was in the lead, comfortably controlling the game and, as the clock ticked down, looking with confidence to a win. An illegal decision by the Burgh bench and then a series of errors by the officials reversed that position. None of these errors were caused by Darvel but it is Darvel who has paid by far the highest price.
We believe that the appropriate and most sporting decision that should have been made by the referee would have been to cancel his penalty decision and restart the game with a drop ball. That did not happen and in consequence the appropriate and sporting decision for the League would have been to reverse the referee error by awarding the game and the 3 points to Darvel.
Natural justice demands that it is the position of the party suffering loss that needs to be addressed; any punishment for the perpatrator being a separate matter and of itself insufficient to achieve a fair outcome.
That this has not happened and the Club finds itself being denied any opportunity to challenge a decision that acts to its detriment is deeply disappointing. However, we continue sure in the support of the people of Darvel and the Valley for our wee team. We have achieved so much. We will achieve much in the future. 'Mon the Vale.
