Elgin punished over Darryl McHardy suspension blunder as Ayr United awarded Premier Sports Cup victory

Ayr United have been awarded a 3-0 Premier Sports Cup victory after Elgin City fielded a suspended player during their weekend clash. The Highland side brought on Darryl McHardy as a 33rd minute sub in their Group F encounter at Somerset Park on Saturday, despite the defender having an outstanding one-match SFA ban.

Elgin admitted to the blunder following the 0-0 draw, after which Ayr walked away with a bonus point having edged out their League Two opponents in a penalty shoot-out. An SPFL probe has now been concluded, with Ayr handed maximum points and Elgin fined £1000 for the error.

A statement from the league body said: "At a disciplinary hearing today (Thursday 14 July, 2022) a sub-committee of the board of the SPFL charged Elgin City FC for playing Darryl McHardy in their Premier Sports Cup Group F match against Ayr United FC at Somerset Park on Saturday 9 July, 2022.

"Darryl McHardy was a listed substitute and entered the field of play at 33 minutes when he replaced Jake Dolzanski. The match ended in Ayr United winning 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

"Elgin City FC admitted breaching SPFL Rules and Regulations by playing the player in the match while he was serving a one-match Scottish FA suspension. The Tribunal imposed the following sanctions: (i) The Club was reprimanded and warned as to future conduct; (ii) Elgin City’s Premier Sports Cup match v Ayr United FC will be recorded as a 3-0 victory for Ayr United; and (iii) A fine of £1,000, of which £500 is suspended until 30 June 2023 pending any further breaches of SPFL player regulations."