Postponed fixtures lead to penalties

FOUR North East National League North clubs have received controversial punishments for not fulfilling fixtures during January and February.

Blyth Spartans, Darlington, Gateshead and Spennymoor Town are on a list of 16 step-two clubs that postponed league fixtures as the row over funding for member clubs continued.

The National League confirmed that an investigation into the reasons behind the postponements had been held and the outcome was that a number of clubs across non-league’s second tier have been reprimanded.

Despite the step two season being declared null and void in mid-February, the 16 clubs have received fines of £2,000 and a suspended two-point deduction for each match that they failed to fulfil.

A league statement read: “An independent panel has ruled that 16 member clubs participating in National League North and South are guilty of breaching Rule 8.39 for failing to meet fixture obligations.

“Fines ranging from £1,400 to £8,000 in addition to a suspended points deduction for the 2021/22 playing season has been issued to each member club found guilty.

“Given the extremely unusual circumstances that have affected football at all levels and the financial pressures the absence of spectators has brought to bear on clubs, the panel expressed its sympathy with the clubs’ predicament.

“However, the panel believes it must also take regard of the fact that the majority of clubs continued to fulfil fixtures and incur much costs until the League ended on February 19.

“Per breach, each club received a £2,000 fine and suspended two-point deduction for the 2021/22 Playing Season. A 30% reduction was made to the fine for those accepting the charge ahead of the hearing.”

The National League also confirmed that Dover Athletic have been fined £40,000 and have received a 12-point deduction for the 2021/22 season.

The Kent club revealed that they were unable to play any further fixtures in non-league’s top tier and have now had their playing record for the season expunged.

The news has provided an unexpected boost to Hartlepool United’s bid for promotion as a number of their rivals have lost points as a result of the decision.

National League North duo King’s Lynn Town and Southport have also been similarly punished.