A blunder in the lower leagues of Scottish football involving ex-Rangers, Hearts and Kilmarnock star Kyle Lafferty has led to his team being his with a points deduction.
Johnstone Burgh have been deducted three points and hit with a fine of £100 after the former Northern Ireland international was mistakenly substituted on in a match against Darvel in the West of Scotland Premier Division.
With Darvel 1-0 up at the time, Burgh went over their quota of five subs to get Lafferty on the park.
The 37-year-old won a penalty for his team, and it was at this moment that the referee realised the error.
The official then allowed Burgh to reverse the sub, taking Lafferty back off the pitch, but the penalty was allowed to stand in a calamitous series of events.
To compound Darvel's misery, Burgh went on to win the game on their own patch.
Darvel, who sit bottom of the WoSFL Premier, immediately appealed with the league.
Now, following a hearing, league chiefs have decided to dock Johnstone Burgh three points over the matter.
Vale boss, Michael Oliver, commented at the time, saying: "The referee ruined the game, we've ultimately been cheated. I can't stand here and say anything else.
Read more:
-
Hagi explains Rangers' anger at ref in Bilbao, talks Ferguson full-time job chances
-
What now for Rangers, and Barry Ferguson, as European dream dies? - Video debate
"We're winning 1-0 and really comfortable, they might have had more of the ball but they weren't hurting us.
"They missed one big chance from a header that they should score but other than that our goalkeeper had one really good save.
"If you can come through a game here and say that about your goalie then you've done well.
"Look, it's a disgrace really. I'm kind of lost for words, actually.
"I feel sick and it almost makes you not want to be involved in football if referees can as bad as that, it's honestly incredible."
