THE EFL are appealing the five-point suspended penalty handed to Bolton for failing to play two league matches – claiming they should have been hit with a far harder punishment.
League bosses were left fuming last night when an independent disciplinary commission handed down the sentence for the Trotters cancelling a match against Brentford last season and the game against Doncaster in August.
The EFL are appealing Bolton’s five-point suspended penalty for missing two matches claiming it is no strong enoughCredit: PA:Empics Sport
The ruling was made up of a two-point sanction for not facing the Bees in the Championship, with three points deducted for missing the game against Rovers in League One.
But the commission said both deductions would be suspended for 18 months, and can only be activated if Bolton commit similar offences in that time.
Given the club are now on a stable financial footing following a takeover, such a situation is highly unlikely to occur – meaning the Trotters escape severe punishment for two offences which are viewed as serious by the EFL.
There is also the fear that it sets a dangerous precedent which means there is very little to discourage other clubs from scratching games themselves in the future.
Bolton were also fined £70,000 for the two rule breaches, and the EFL believe they have got off lightly for causing chaos to their competitions over two separate campaigns.
A spokesman said: “The EFL is disappointed by the conclusions reached by the independent Disciplinary Commission in respect of Bolton Wanderers and it is the firm view of the League that the sanction imposed is too lenient when consideration is given to all the circumstances of the case.
“Given the potential for postponements to have a significant impact on competition integrity and, following receipt of advice overnight on the reasons provided, the League will appeal the outcome in the strongest possible sense.”
The club acknowledged the EFL’s position but intend to fight their corner.
Chairman Sharon Brittan said: “We are naturally very disappointed by this outcome as we had hoped a line had been drawn and we’d be able to move on. We will vehemently defend any appeal.”
Bolton SAVED by £10m bid from Football Ventures group which includes Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
