Infringement of rules has clubs hanging

September 27 2007

Shepparton News

Shepparton has reacted with disappointment to news its win in the North Eastern Soccer League Grand Final could be annulled.

A tribunal will determine whether or not Adrian Ingham's penalty in the shootout, won 7-6 by Shepparton, was the result of referee Angelo Spartaro breaking the rules of the game, giving grounds for a replay.

Shepparton assistant coach Chris Davkovski said his players were led to believe Ingham was allowed to take a penalty despite him being substituted off in extra-time.

"Shepparton did not take advantage of anything, as far as we are concerned the referee said all he wanted in the middle of the ground was the players and Adrian was one of them," Davkovski said.

"We've got no problems with replaying the game, we're not scared of Yoogali, the reason we are not keen is that it will be a very controversial replay of the game.

"I don't think the players will have any issues, but it could get out of hand in terms of the spectators."

Yoogali president Paul Fisher brought Ingham's penalty to the league's attention.

"We had no choice but to inform the league of the infraction," Fisher said.

"A replay would be no consolation to us, what is important is the rules are upheld."

Fisher said Yoogali had no preference in the outcome of the tribunal other than to abide by the decision.

"We see ourselves as a benchmark in country soccer and that means playing by the rules," Fisher said.

"What I will say is it's not just the referee, but the players and officials of each club who have a responsibility to uphold the rules.

"Whether it's intentional or unintentional the rule has been broken and like any rule there is no excuse for it.

"We also had players who were substituted off and we didn't send them out to take penalties."

Tuesday's News said Steve Crombie took Yoogali's fifth penalty; it was Ryan Spencer.