3 point deduction

[1F in Enfield]

I agree. We have made signifiant progress over the past season and we should not do anything that would jeopardise this. If you look at how far ETFC has come since 2001, it's just a matter of time before we reach the dizzy heights of the Conference South. It makes every sense to fight to ensure other don't suffer the same injustice, however there is no guarantee this will be overturned and we may be looking at taking a step back due to financial losses. If it can be done on the cheap then I am in favour, otherwise let's go again next season and win the league (by more than 3 points)!

[Tom S]

I believe we still have one appeal to the FA over their original decision (and possibly also the League decision) but I see no point in going any further than that as it would take too long, screw up the play offs and risk losing the goodwill we've built up. Not to mention the cost aspect.

[The Crowing Cockerel]

I can't imagine the costs would be anything like the libel case involving our 'friend' from Leyton ( - incidentally, I wonder whether he's been released yet?).

 

I agree with Tom - let's exhaust our appeals - for the sake of the players if no-one else, and then draw stumps and prepare to steamroller this division in 2015-16.

[Mr Dacorum]

Sorry guys - thought you were in the clear.

Thats why i ignore your comments............always out the loop!

[The Crowing Cockerel]

I read that Lewes are an awfully nice bunch, aren't they!

 

I'm sure that Met Police opened the letter from Lewes, read it, and agreed whole-heartedly that they wouldn't accept the play-off place they've acquired by default.

 

Oh, hang on.

[lovely stuff]

Don't think Met Police were going to get the letter.Was being sent to the 14 clubs in out league who wouldn't be affected by Town being docked three points.

[The Crowing Cockerel]

Let's not forget that officials at Met Police said the following within the past fortnight:

 

https://sports.vice.com/en_uk/article/behind-the-scenes-at-britains-most-misunderstood-football-club

[littlehampton]

Down here in West Sussex I have been watching and keeping close tabs on this very sad state of affairs. Beyond doubt we have been treated very harshly by the Ryman League management, without reason or justification. We can only hope that in the end common sense will prevail.

 

On a more positive note, if you really want to know what the spirit of non-league football is all about, take a look at East Sussex based club Lewes FC website and read the tweets on lewesfc.com/enfield4playoffs.

 

They are a decent club and they strongly believe we have been wrongly punished. To support our cause, they have today written to the Chairman of the other 14 Ryman Premier Division clubs, who are currently outside the play-off (and relegation) zone, asking them to refuse to participate in the play-offs, if invited to do so in place of Enfield Town.

 

Hopefully, the Ryman League will take note of this highly commendable gesture, by a member club with a deep sense of fair play, and reverse their decision. Already East Thurrock FC have confirmed their support for the Lewes FC boycott initiative.

[andyetfc]

Until those teams are fined for not fulfilling a fixture. Anything can happen in this league.

[THE EYE]

I would suggest we appeal initially as long as it's doesn't cost too much and if we lose seriously consider withdrawing from the Ryman League and move over to the Southern League as the Ryman can then stew in their own juices having lost one of their best supported teams.

 

The Ryman League and the FA deserve each other.

[Jab_n17]

I would suggest we appeal initially as long as it's doesn't cost too much and if we lose seriously consider withdrawing from the Ryman League and move over to the Southern League as the Ryman can then stew in their own juices having lost one of their best supported teams.

 

The Ryman League and the FA deserve each other.

 

as much as I agree I think dropping out of the Ryman is maybe a step to harsh all that will happen another team will fill the gap, Enfield after a few weeks will be old news (no disrespect) and next season would just start and carry one without Enfield which would be a loss....

[andyetfc]

I would suggest we appeal initially as long as it's doesn't cost too much and if we lose seriously consider withdrawing from the Ryman League and move over to the Southern League as the Ryman can then stew in their own juices having lost one of their best supported teams.

The Ryman League and the FA deserve each other.

I would suggest we appeal initially as long as it's doesn't cost too much and if we lose seriously consider withdrawing from the Ryman League and move over to the Southern League as the Ryman can then stew in their own juices having lost one of their best supported teams.

The Ryman League and the FA deserve each other.

The FA would put us in the northern league.

[The Crowing Cockerel]

Everyone has (quite properly) been pointing out what Isthmian League Rule 6.9 says:

 

6.9 Playing an Ineligible Player

Any Club found to have played an ineligible Player in a match or matches shall have any points gained from that match or matches deducted from its record, up to a maximum of 12 points, and have levied upon it a fine. The Board may also order that such match or matches be replayed on such terms as are decided by the Board which may also levy penalty points against the Club in default. 

The Company may vary this decision in respect of the points gained only in circumstances where the ineligibility is due to the failure to obtain an International Transfer Certificate or where the ineligibility is related to the Player’s status.

 

Seems pretty clear, right?

 

But, how about rule 4.2:

 

4.2 Save where specifically provided otherwise in these Rules, the Board shall have power to apply, act upon and enforce these Rules and shall have jurisdiction over all matters affecting the Company or the Competition including any not provided for in these Rules.

 

We know that the FA found the charge proved. However, it recommended the club simply be warned. In those circumstances surely it would have been open to the club to invite the Ryman League Board to exercise it's inherent discretion and not apply rule 6.9. No other club would be able to appeal that decision and the intention of the FA would therefore be achieved with no points deduction.

 

Was this suggested by ETFC to the Ryman League at first instance?

 

Could this be our best chance of successfully appealing rather than taking on the necessarily strict rules governing the registration system?

 

Just an idea.

[littlehampton]

Earlier today the Ryman League issued a further carefully worded (length) statement on the Enfield Town charge, in an attempt to justify its decision to deduct three points and fine our Club, jeopardising our place in the Play-Offs.

Whilst it expresses great regret at the harsh punishment dished out, and the three month delay in holding the hearing, it conveniently fails to mention that The Football Association were totally unaware of the situation, regarding the player in question, until it was queried and brought to their attention by our Club.

Their statement also fails to mention that the FA advised our Club not to play the player for two matches, which we did, and they confirmed that no further action would be taken. But it was by the Ryman League.

Interestingly, the statement also confirms " The Club now has the ability to appeal the Leagues decision to The Football Association which has the power to alter the decision of the League".

Clearly, that is what needs to happen, so The Football Association can get the Ryman League off the hook, without further delay or embarrassment, by accepting that someone in their organisation inadvertently gave misleading advice to Enfield Town, which has resulted in serious consequences. They also need to recognise that the Club acted in good faith, and instruct the Ryman League to cancel the three points deduction, and reinstate our Club to the Play-Offs, so they can proceed without further delay and inconvenience to everyone involved. 

 

[1F in Enfield]

There seems to be too much passing the buck here! As I understand it either the FA or the Ryman league has it at their discretion to reverse the decision. One of them needs to man up and put things right.

[Enfield United]

Steph-Love you but that's just too defeatist when we are in the right. How on earth are authorities gonna change for the better if they don't get the odd bloody nose when it's fully warranted.

I feel for the league as they are following their unbending rules, which need an avenue for flexibility.

The FA have conducted themselves very unhelpfully by creating this situation.

I have an inkling that we can successfully appeal this for all the pro ETFC reasons we have highlighted and the pitfalls proved with the administration in soho sq.

Sit tight folks, I predict (pray) our seasons not over yet

[1F in Enfield]

Just read on the website that we are proceeding with the appeal against the FA. Totally in support although a bit concerned about the financial implications.

[Tom S]

Given that any appeal against the Ryman League decision would also be to the FA (at least according the League's statement) is there any mechanism for next week's hearing to consider the both the 'offence' and the punishment? Or would that be too difficult for the FA to cope with?

[stormin norman]

I feel for for your club & supporters & hope you win your appeal ....if it happened to us I'd be gutted !

[littlehampton]

Good Morning Everyone.

 

Doodling around, I see that the FA charges against Town have been documented on the Margate fans forum. Sure someone will correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think this has been carried on our own forum. If not, I think it would be very helpful if someone could organise for this to happen, so that everyone can read and see how harshly we have been treated.