Lidds - banned

By Charlie Summerbell
June 24 2010

A week and a half after prematurely announcing that their appeal against being docked three points for fielding Gary Liddle when he should have been suspended, Hartlepool United have now officially been told they were wasting their time asking the Football league to change their mind. The appeal was launched as soon as the punishment was announced, days before the end of the season, when Pools managed to saved their League One skin on goal difference, without needing those three points, thanks to a goalless draw at Brentford.
But they decided against withdrawing the appeal, and now the League has posted a notice on their website saying: "A Football League appeal panel has today dismissed the appeal of Hartlepool United against the deduction of three points imposed for fielding Gary Liddle in a League One match while suspended."
Pools have also been ordered to pay the appeal costs.
Hopefully that will teach them to keep an eye on their bookings, and not to argue with the Football League, even when they think they have natural justice on their side.
Having quickly withdrawn their original announcement that the appeal had failed, Pools have so far not made a comment.
Chances are they never will.