Barnsley’s survival confirmed as Wigan lose appeal

BARNSLEY’S place in next season’s Championship has been confirmed after Wigan Athletic lost their appeal against a 12- point deduction for entering administration.

The punishment means the Latics finished 23rd in the division, and will go down into League One with Hull City and Charlton Athletic.

Barnsley won their final match of the campaign with a stoppage- time goal from Clarke Odour to finish a point outside of the bottom three but the Latics appealed their points deduction, arguing Covid- 19 had brought unforeseen circumstances.

“The decision of the arbitration panel is final and legally binding,” said a statement from the Football League confirming the appeal had been rejected.

“We fought on the field and off the field, we fought with the coronavirus, we never give up, thank you to our supporters,” tweeted Barnsley owner Chien Lee after yesterday evening’s verdict.

Chinese businessman Au Yeung Wai Kay bought Wigan in May, during the coronavirus lockdown. The club went into administration on July 1.

“Naturally we are disappointed at the decision,” they said.

The Barnsley hierarchy have been very vocal in their criticism of the Football League’s governance this year.

They were unhappy it took so long to adjudicate on Sheffield Wednesday’s misconduct charge over the sale and lease back of their Hillsborough ground. Owls owner Dejphon Chansiri bought their home to avoid punishment for running up too much debt in a three- year period, but the deal was found to have gone through a year after it was accounted for.

The Owls were charged in November, with the case heard in June. Last week they were docked 12 points but with their season complete, it will not apply until next term, sparing them relegation.

Meanwhile, Barnsley defender Tony Sibbick has joined Oostende – a club controlled by the Reds’ owners – on loan until the end of the season, when they have the option to buy him.

Sibbick was signed by previous coach Daniel Stendel, who signed him on loan at Hearts for the second half of 2019- 20.