Brighouse appeal after FA issue charge regarding striker Alhassane Keita
BRIGHOUSE TOWN have been in a state of flux after FA Cup Competitions Co-ordinator Gary Mellish postponed last Saturday’s FA Trophy first round tie with Workington.
Club secretary David Parker received a telephone call at 5.20pm on Friday informing him of the decision due to a charge being placed on the club that they had played a non-qualified player in the preliminary round tie with Tadcaster Albion, which Town had won 2-1.
It is ironic that the club had called in Ainley Top-based referee Sam Barrott for a pitch inspection at 8.30am on the Saturday morning following incessant heavy rain from 11am on the Friday morning.
That would not have been required as the pitch, despite the rain, was playable and is testament to the work by groundsman Darren Laycock and assistant Walter Hemingway.
The club then received an email that was circulated to chairman James Howard, vicechairman Charlie Tolley and manager Vill Powell, who called a meeting of all members.
It was decided the club would appeal the charge concerning striker Alhassane Keita and a date fixed for the conference call hearing from Wembley to West Yorkshire would take place yesterday (Wednesday).
Keita was signed in September from NCEL Premier Division Albion Sports where it appears he has played without international clearance and also at Yorkshire Amateur and Thackley since arriving in this country in 2014 from Guinea, seeking asylum.
Town have learned that he also played in FA Vase ties.
Keita, who has employed a solicitor to fight his claim to stay in this country and seeking a DWP appointment, was given a 28-day sanction to play in the BetVictor Northern Premier League and this has been rolled on to November 8.
Brighouse are hoping that they would be cleared, having applied for special asylum clearance at the FA, and be allowed to play their postponed tie with the Cumbrians. The flux situation is compounded with Town due to entertain Colne on Saturday (3pm) in the league and then this tie to be fitted if they are allowed to continue in the competition.