Rangers set for Scottish Cup redemption tie as 'nonsense' SFA ruling could see opponents face expulsion
The Scottish League Two side have been found to have fielded an ineligible player.
Rangers are set for a redemption match against Queens Park, after Stranraer fielded an ineligible player in their penalty shootout victory over The Spiders.
The match at Stair Park was supposed to take place on Saturday 17th, but was postponed until Tuesday night due to a waterlogged pitch. Within that four day period, Stranraer signed goalkeeper Lyndon Tas on loan from Hearts, who turned out to be the hero of the hour, as The Blues won 6-5 on penalties, after the match finishing 1-1 after extra time.
However, because Tas wouldn’t have been eligible to play the original tie, Stranraer could now face expulsion from the tournament, as Scottish Cup rules state that teams can only field players who were available for selection on the original date. While the club are appealing the ruling, it is now likely that Rangers will face Queens Park in the next round of the competition, in a repeat of their shock cup exit last season.
The SFA ruling that could see Stranraer kicked out
It’s stated by the SFA: “Disciplinary Rule allegedly breached: Disciplinary Rule 303. Eligibility — clubs shall observe the terms of Competition Rule 12 (Specifically 12.5).
“The charge against Stranraer is that they have failed to observe the terms of Competition Rule 12, and in particular 12.5, and did list on their Official Team Line for a rescheduled match a player, namely Lyndon Tas, who was not eligible to be listed on their Official Team Line at the date fixed for originally playing the match, and who was not a recognised goalkeeper pursuant to an emergency temporary transfer approved by the Scottish FA Board.”
Meanwhile, Blues boss Chris Aitken believes expulsion would be very harsh on his side, who could’ve earned up to six figures in finances for their Ibrox glory tie. He told BBC Scotland: "It seems it's because we didn't use the word 'emergency'. If the circumstances of the loan don't count as an emergency we don't know what is!
"It would be nonsense for anyone to think it gave us an advantage. It was a great achievement and what's happened since then is like a whirlwind. We know what we'd be missing out on, potentially £200,000. We are a club that relies on volunteers to run. That money would keep Stranraer going for three or four years."
Stranraer appeal SFA ruling
A club statement read: “We can confirm that an appeal has been made to the Scottish FA regarding the eligibility of goalkeeper Lyndon Tas. Agreement had been reached with Hamilton Academical for Josh Lane to feature in the Scottish Cup 4th Round on Saturday, but this was refused for the rearranged fixture on Tuesday night.
“With only one goalkeeper in our playing squad, we acted quickly in good faith to recruit a goalkeeper on loan with help from Heart of Midlothian. Scottish Cup competition rules state that where fixtures are rearranged, any new player must be registered by the date of the original tie, unless signed on an emergency loan.
“The question was raised as to whether the signing of Lyndon qualifies as an emergency loan, and we are deemed to have breached that regulation. We will have the opportunity to present our case and provide mitigation to the panel in due course.”