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Topic Originator: obiwanyouknowme
Date: Fri 4 Apr 16:54
Dunfermline Athletic’s relegation rivals, Hamilton Accies, could be hit with a points deduction due to a potential breach of SPFL rules.
The penalty would have a massive impact on the Pars’ battle to avoid the drop this season.
The two teams face each other in a massive showdown at East End Park on Saturday.
Just one point separates the sides after Dunfermline leapfrogged this weekend’s opponents with Wednesday night’s 1-0 win over Livingston.
However, news of Hamilton potentially being docked points changes the whole dynamics of the fight at the bottom of the championship.
It is understood that the SPFL have been investigating Accies, who saw their Scottish FA licensing downgraded last month and who it has emerged have doubts over their stadium tenancy for next term.
There are rules in place to govern the standards teams must meet to play in Scotland’s top four divisions.
The SPFL stipulates clubs must have at least a bronze-level licence from the SFA.
Hamilton recently dropped from the requisite bronze to entry level, similar to both Dumbarton and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who were sanctioned after going into administration.
Accies have appealed that decision.
Could Dunfermline land Hamilton boost?
A source has told Courier Sport that Hamilton could be treated in a similar fashion to Bonnyrigg Rose, who earlier in the current campaign were docked six points due to not meeting pitch standards at their Midlothian ground.
An SPFL spokesperson said: “Under SPFL rules, all clubs have to confirm by 31 March what their registered ground will be for the following season.
“It also remains a fundamental aspect of the SPFL rules that our member clubs have a Scottish FA bronze-level licence.”
As things stand, a six-points penalty for Accies would place them below bottom side Airdrie in the table and plunge John Rankin’s team into major difficulties.
It would also give Dunfermline a massive boost in their bid to avoid both bottom spot in the table and the relegation play-off place that comes with finishing ninth.
New manager Neil Lennon earned his first victory in charge in midweek against Livingston and will be hoping to put daylight between his team and Hamilton with another win this weekend.
But any sanction suffered by Accies, who have also suffered issues with unpaid wages this season, would clearly further help the Pars’ bid to retain their second-tier status.
Post Edited (Fri 04 Apr 16:56)
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Topic Originator: kozmasrightfoot
Date: Fri 4 Apr 17:08
It would be a shame if they got docked points at this point of the season. I`d rather we stayed up due to hard work and winning games rather than benefit from another club`s administrative error. Why can`t it be F*lkirk, that would be hilarious 🤣. Yes,it may sound petty, but I still hold a massive grudge about years of Norrie songs ⚰️ 💐.
Pars fan.
Magpies fan.
Mens tennis fan.
Alternative rock fan.
Not a fan of much else.
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Topic Originator: Buster_Brown
Date: Fri 4 Apr 17:57
Have to say that I don’t want us staying up on a technicality, but it certainly makes things more interesting
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Topic Originator: DJAS
Date: Fri 4 Apr 18:09
If rules have been broken and they get docked then **** them. Rules are there for all the teams.
Predictor league winner 2012/2013
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Topic Originator: parsfan97
Date: Fri 4 Apr 18:23
I couldn’t care how we stay up as long as we do, if they can’t follow the rules like the rest of us then get them docked immediately
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Topic Originator: Par
Date: Fri 4 Apr 18:24
I think all clubs that don`t have 4 stands should be docked 20 points!
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Topic Originator: Lesliepartoo
Date: Fri 4 Apr 19:10
Quote:
Par, Fri 4 Apr 18:24
I think all clubs that don`t have 4 stands should be docked 20 points!
Totally agree lol
Cmon ye pars
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Topic Originator: Socks
Date: Fri 4 Apr 21:25
Also worth noting that our own license has been downgraded since last season. It doesn`t make any real difference, but last year we were at `Silver` while this year we`ve been downgraded to bronze on the `first team` category, and therefore also on the overall award. There`s a good chance this was due to the situation reported earlier in the season when we didn`t have a doctor for an away game - this is a requirement for the silver award but bronze level only needs a doctor at home games.
Hamilton`s downgrade is also based on `first team` criteria.
Although a points deduction might help us in this instance, I`m uncomfortable with it happening to any club at this stage of the season. The timing of the reviews seem arbitrary - they`re roughly once a year but the time varies a bit. For example, ours from the last two seasons were in November 2024 and September 2023. It makes a difference when the review is done - a defect found in March could have a very different outcome to one found in June.
While I agree with the principles of licensing, particularly in relation to grounds, I do worry about the next steps. Currently, all clubs need an Entry license to compete in Highland/Lowland Leagues and at least Bronze license to compete in all divisions of the SPFL. How long until we see proposals for the top division to be open only to clubs with a Silver license? Not very long, would be my guess.
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Topic Originator: Par Dan
Date: Fri 4 Apr 21:40
Quote:
Lesliepartoo, Fri 4 Apr 19:10
Quote:
Par, Fri 4 Apr 18:24
I think all clubs that don`t have 4 stands should be docked 20 points!
Totally agree lol
Let’s also dock a point for every additional finger in their support anaw
Post Edited (Fri 04 Apr 21:40)
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Topic Originator: GJS93
Date: Fri 4 Apr 21:56
if it happens and we benefit from it, i wont be complaining but im not sure it will be sorted before the end of this season if they have a case to answer.
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Topic Originator: jake89
Date: Fri 4 Apr 22:24
How can their stadium be downgraded mid season?
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Topic Originator: Rigger Al
Date: Fri 4 Apr 23:07
Quote:
jake89, Fri 4 Apr 22:24
How can their stadium be downgraded mid season?
They have to have all requirements in place for next season by the 31st March ,they have not met the deadline so they may be docked points ,,,,i think
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Topic Originator: Dandy Warhol
Date: Sat 5 Apr 08:28
I don`t care how we stay up either tbh.
I don`t wanna go down like disco.
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Topic Originator: veteraneastender
Date: Sat 5 Apr 08:40
Are they paying their player wages on time now ?
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