Elgin City to be handed 3-0 defeat after fielding ineligible player in Ayr United clash
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ELGIN City are set to be given a 3-0 defeat after fielding an ineligible player in Saturday's goalless draw with Ayr United.
The Black and Whites looked to have got their Premier Sports Cup off to a good start after drawing 0-0 against their Championship opponents at Somerset Park.
Despite losing a penalty shoot-out for a bonus point, City picked up a hard-fought point – but that now looks set to be taken away from them.
The club has been charged with breaching SPFL rules and regulations after including defender Darryl McHardy, who should have been serving a one-match suspension, in the squad.
McHardy was booked twice in last season's group stage, in the 3-1 home loss to Kelty Hearts and the 3-2 away win over East Fife, meaning he should have been sidelined on Saturday.
However, he came off the bench in the 33rd minute substitute for Jake Dolzanski – going on to score in the penalty shoot-out.
The SPFL have arranged a disciplinary hearing for Thursday, July 14, when the exact extent of Elgin's punishment will become clear.
Keiran Carty, Elgin City's general manager, admitted that the mistake was his and Elgin will forfeit the match.
He also offered to "personally refund" all travelling City fans.
"I've got to hold my hands up for this one being my responsibility," he said.
"I would like to apologise to all supporters, players, management and staff as I know how hard everyone worked to get the result at the weekend.
"I know the outcome on Thursday will be a 3-0 loss for the club.
"As a token gesture I will personally refund all travelling supporters who made the journey to Ayr."
