Eircom League: St Pat's reacts to decision

St Patrick's Athletic Football Club are studying the decision of the FAI Appeals Board received today.

A statement said:

"We note that within the Appeal Board's decision, Mr Brendan J Menton, General Secretary of the FAI has stated that there is a firm commitment by the eircom League to 'a full investigation of all players' registrations for the current season, and where it is found that players had played in any eircom League matches in contravention of Rule 16A, then the rule in full shall be applied'.

"St Patrick's Athletic have been singled out for an alleged breach of this rule in advance of the investigation being completed. We expect that this investigation will be conducted in a fair, independent and transparent manner.

"At no time have St Patrick's Athletic FC sought to gain an advantage on the field of play. In September the commissioner made the decision not to deal with registration problems because of the chaotic state of registrations and in the spirit of fair play. Shelbourne FC refused to accept this and demanded that Rule 16A be enforced unilaterally against St Patrick's Athletic FC.

"The decision of the Officers of the eircom League and of the Appeal Board (see enclosed documents), will clarify the situation for all clubs.

"Due to the significant implications and repercussions of the investigation and in the spirit of fair play, there should be no attempt to fudge. The commitment to apply Rule 16A in its entirety, to all players' registrations must be honoured and not applied in an à la carte fashion.

"St Patrick's Athletic FC won the League in season 2001/02 by five clear points, scoring the most goals (59), with the best disciplinary record in the League, including not having one player suspended or sent-off during the entire season.

"We have no desire to see any team deducted points but natural justice will only prevail when a vigorous and independent investigation takes place."