FA under fire after ending non-league season

THE chairman of South Shields said the club may take legal action after results for the 2019-20 season for the third tier of non-league football and below were expunged.

The Football Association announced the move yesterday as sport continues to wrestle with the question of how to cope with the coronavirusenforced shutdown.

South Shields were 12 points clear at the top of the Northern Premier Division and all but mathematically certain of clinching promotion to National League North.

In a message on Twitter, chairman Geoff Thompson said: “SSFC will be writing to the FA in the strongest possible terms and will seek an appeal or will take legal action.

“Whatever the outcome following this appalling decision, the club will continue as before. However, there is no denying this decision has a huge financial impact.”

Lower down the pyramid, Vauxhall Motors and Jersey Bulls had already secured promotion from their divisions but will now have to try again next season.

Salford co-owner Gary

Neville was baffled by the move, saying: “Can someone explain to me what is forcing the non-league divisions to void the season? We’ve been down there with @SalfordCityFC for 5 years so we have some experience of it and I don’t get it!! Help.”

Worthing chairman Barry Hunter, whose team were seven points clear at the top of the Isthmian League Premier Division and on course for promotion to National League South, admitted the news was “a huge disappointment to everyone involved at the club” but backed the FA’s decision.

He said: “This is not a decision that would have been taken lightly by the FA and it is one that the club fully understands and supports. This is a time for everyone to come together, be safe and get through an incredibly difficult period.”

The FA’s ruling also applies to women’s football below the Women’s Super League and Championship, while the grassroots game has been brought to a close for the season.

The FA remain hopeful of being able to complete the men’s and women’s FA Cup campaigns, FA Trophy and FA Vase, while discussions are ongoing regarding what will happen with the National League, Women’s Super

League and Women’s Championship.