Aberdeen club Banks O'Dee deducted 24 points after player registration error in Scottish Cup win against Turriff United and Highland League matches
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Banks O'Dee have been deducted 24 points in the Highland League after a player registration error in the Scottish Cup and Highland League matches.
The club have confirmed the punishment they have received from the Scottish Highland Football League after the error was made in the 4-0 Scottish Cup first round victory over Turriff United which saw them thrown out of the tournament.
Two unregistered players were also used in eight Highland League matches.
The deduction has seen the Aberdeen club plummet from sixth place to the bottom of the division on -1.
Banks O'Dee, who were promoted to the Highland League last season after winning the North Super League, have only lost one match from their first 12 games, winning six and drawing five.
Banks O'Dee club president Brian Winton said: "This is devastating news for all involved at Spain Park. "I really feel for the management team and the players as they will be feeling badly let down.
"However, we win and lose together, we are a resilient organisation, so over time I am sure we will recover and be stronger for it.
"At times like this we have to be positive and focus on all the good things we have done in recent years. Yes, of course, this is a major set back for our season.
"I have recommended as part of our Scottish Cup appeal that the SFA set up mandatory training for club secretaries.
"It is a critical position within a football club with harsh consequences when errors occur.
"Over the years, Banks o' Dee FC has set high standards that we are very proud of.
"During the last 10 years the football club has been transformed with its close relationship with Banks o' Dee Sports Club.
"The partnership has gone from strength to strength with SFA club licensing, massive upgrades in the ground infrastructure, new Astro surface, LED lighting and solar panel generated power as well as building a youth system through Banks o' Dee Albion and Banks o' Dee Junior FC team in the NRJFA. Promotion to the Highland was the final piece of the expansion plan.
"Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the Highland League office bearers and member clubs for the disruption this registration error has caused."
