THE enthralling National League South title race has taken another turn with Sutton United charged for fielding an ineligible player.
The U’s put themselves in the driving seat after Tuesday night’s win at Maidstone United and they sit three points behind leaders Ebbsfleet with two games in hand.
However, they may fall back behind Maidstone and into third after the club confirmed they had been charged by the National League for fielding Jamie Slabber in last month’s 3-0 win over St Albans.
It’s claimed the striker, who joined on loan from league rivals Hemel Hempstead Town, was not registered properly and his 20-minute substitute appearance could cost the U’s dearly.
The club have not admitted the charge and have requested a personal hearing. If the points are deducted, it would echo Nuneaton Town who were also docked three points in the National League North.
A club statement read: “We can confirm that the club has been charged by the Vanarama National League with fielding an ineligible player in the 3-0 win at St Albans last month.
“The charge concerns the appearance of Jamie Slabber as a substitute, with the allegation that the relevant forms concerning his loan from Hemel Hempstead had not been lodged with all the relevant authorities prior to the game and he was therefore ineligible to play, although the paperwork had been submitted to the league on time and the league had approved the loan.
“Jamie came on with twenty minutes to go when U’s were already 3-0 up. The club is not admitting the charge and will request a personal hearing.”
Manager Paul Doswell added: ‘’I was informed of the situation by Bruce after last night’s win at Maidstone and as we had to win all our remaining games anyway it makes no difference.
“The players will remain positive right to the end of the season, and having seen similar situations involving Darlington and Kendal where no points deduction was applied I am confident of the outcome.”
