Committee members at Brough Football Club have offered sincerest apologies to the Westmorland League and Endmoor KGR Reserves for fielding three unregistered players when the sides met last Saturday.
Brough, who sit bottom of the third division in their debut season, gained a long-awaited first win with a 3-1 success. But it emerged that three ineligible players were named in the victors’ matchday squad — including two signed on with another league club.
As a result, a Westmorland League spokesman announced that Brough would be fined with the original result annulled and Endmoor awarded a 3-0 walkover win.
Responding on social media this afternoon, a statement from the Brough Community Football Club committee said: “We would like to apologise to Endmoor KGR Reserves and the Westmorland Football League.
“During last Saturday’s game we played three unregistered local players under different names. We took this action so we did not have to cancel another game after several players were unavailable for the match.
“As a club we acknowledge and accept that this was not the right thing to do on the day. We respect the Westmorland Football League’s rules and see the importance of registering players. Brough FC takes full responsibility.
“We value the support of the people of Brough and the surrounding areas, and we thank you all for your support to help get this club up and running throughout its first season. We could not have got this far without you.
“We still need players and committee members to help get this club up and running properly, so please come down to training on Thursdays, from 6.30pm to 8pm, if you would be interested in playing. If you have any queries regarding a role within the club, message our (Facebook/Twitter) page.
“We are ready to focus on this week’s game against Penrith Royal and hope you can come and support the team.”
Responding on Twitter, an Endmoor spokesman said: “Apologies accepted from us. Can’t be easy in your first season. Good luck for the rest of the season, lads.”
