Football: West Ham could face expulsion over cup substitute
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.HARRY REDKNAPP, the West Ham manager, was said to be "too upset to talk" last night after learning that Aston Villa are demanding re-entry into the Worthington Cup because the Hammers fielded an ineligible player in their quarter-final tie However, the club's secretary, Graham Mackrell, said he thought his club had won fairly and that the result should stand.
Emmanuel Omoyinmi came off the substitutes' bench late in extra-time during Wednesday's match at Upton Park, which West Ham won in a penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 draw. They are now due to play Leicester or Fulham in the semi-finals.
However, Omoyinmi played for Gillingham in both legs of their second- round tie against Bolton and was cup-tied. Villa want, at the very least, to replay the game. Their secretary, Steve Stride, said: "We've lodged a complaint with the Football League. We're treating this as a serious breach of regulations. We trust the outcome will reflect the seriousness of the matter."
John Nagle, a Football League spokesman, confirmed that the matter was under investigation and that the two clubs would be consulted.
Mackrell said West Ham had believed Omoyinmi did not play for Gillingham in the cup. "West Ham United now acknowledge this was not the case but wish to emphasise that the club acted in good faith," he said. "Manny appeared for only six minutes against Aston Villa and had no influence on the result of the tie. West Ham United firmly believe that the tie was won fairly, that the result should stand."
Villa's manager, John Gregory, learned yesterday that the FA is to take no action over his "shoot the ref" comments towards the official Steve Lodge after Wednesday's match. Gregory made the remark after West Ham were awarded a last-minute penalty by Lodge, which enabled them to force the game into extra-time.
The Villa manager, currently serving a 28-day touchline ban for a previous outburst, was reported to have said: "I don't think we should have shoot- outs. We should have a shoot-the-ref shoot-out. After that one [the last- minute penalty], the referee should have been shot."
However, the FA is satisfied that the comments were made in jest and believes Gregory has no case to answer.
Sunderland's Sky deal; Leeds sign Wilcox, page 29
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments