Trotters ruling offers Silkmen hope in appeal
MACCLESFIELD Town have appealed against the six points deduction that has taken them close to the foot of League Two.
The sanction came from an independent disciplinary commission for numerous breaches of English Football League (EFL) regulations.
But top brass at the Moss Rose feel the suspended five point penalty given to Bolton Wanderers - that was upheld this week - shows the Silkmen should have b e e n treated more leniently.
The punishment was given to Bolton for failing to meet fixture obligations and an appeal by the EFL, who wanted a tougher sanction, has failed.
Following this decision a statement from Macclesfield Town said: “In light of the upholding of sanctions handed to Bolton Wanderers by an arbitration panel earlier today, Macclesfield Town can confirm that we have lodged an appeal into the penalties which were imposed on us last month.
“Back in December, we were handed an immediate six point deduction - alongside a further four point penalty which was suspended.
“We strongly believe that [the] ruling supports our appeal and relevant documentation in relation to this has now been submitted.
“We will advise the outcome of the appeal once the necessary process has been concluded.”
The Silkmen remain under the caretaker leadership of Danny Whitaker following Daryl McMahon’s departure, with no word from the club on a permanent boss.
Breaches of EFL regulations by Macclesfield Town included players not being paid on time and failing to fulfil the home fixture with Crewe Alexandra.
The deduction leaves the club six points off bottom place in League Two and relegation, albeit with a vastly superior goal difference to the teams around them.
The suspended four point deduction remains a threat and Macc also failed to play the home game against Plymouth Argyle. Bolton did not play fixtures against Brentford last season and Doncaster this.
An EFL spokesman said: “An arbitration panel has upheld the original decision in respect of the sanctions handed to Bolton Wanderers following their guilty plea in November 2019 to charges of breaching EFL regulations for failing to meet fixture obligations.
“The panel considered the original verdict of a sanction of five points, suspended for 18 months, and a financial penalty in light of the submitted appeal by the EFL, and concluded that the decision taken was proportionate given the mitigating circumstances the club has faced over the extended time frame.
“While disappointed with the verdict, the EFL respects the decision taken. Discussions will now continue with EFL Clubs to formalise a scale of sporting sanctions for breaches of relevant EFL Regulations, relating to non-payment of debts and non-fulfilment of fixtures, in future.”
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