Lions caught up in Morrison Trophy controversy
FOOTBALL ANDY Landesberg remained tight-lipped after Maccabi London Lions were charged for fielding an ineligible player in their Peter Morrison Trophy semi-final tie against North London Raiders.
The Lions were served a penalty notice after the victory, although competition organiser Laurence Thorne confirmed the club have lodged an appeal.
Lions won the tie 5-4 after extra-time but it was later claimed that Charlie Rubin, who came on as a substitute in the last-four clash, was cup-tied after playing in an earlier round.
Rubin scored for the Lions B-team in their first-round defeat against FC Team B in October and, according to competition Rule 8(b) he should not have played against Raiders.
Lions boss Andy Landesberg admitted “it would not be appropriate to make any comment on this outstand- ing matter until after the management committee meeting”. He said: “I think it would be best to allow them to make their decision first.”
Josh Kennet (3), Matt Kyte and Andy Glynne were the scorers for Lions in a match they won 5-4 in extra-time. Raiders, who led through Jonny Kay, staged a remarkable comeback, with Jordan Marks, Matt Stock and Liron Mannie registering. Kennet’s 107th-minute had seemingly set up a final meeting with Hendon United, but the decision lies ultimately in the hands of the committee. A statement from NLR stated: “We are aware of the situation but until the competition committee complete their investigation and communicate their findings it would be premature and inappropriate for us to comment further. For now our focus is solely on Sunday’s Cyril Anekstein Cup final.”
Competition chairman Laurence Thorne said: “The management committee will listen to what Lions have to say.
“I hope the final is played on May 8 as scheduled, but if it has to be delayed then that’s what we’ll have to do.”