Dunfermline reinstated in Scottish Cup

Dunfermline were dramatically reinstated in the this season’s Scottish Cup on Thursday just a week after being kicked out of the competition for fielding an ineligible player.

The Pars thrashed Stenhousemuir 7-1 in the fourth round.

But their victory was called into question when it was found Calum Woods had come off the bench in the second-half at East End Park despite the Scottish Football Association’s suspension list declaring him banned for the match.

The SFA threw First Division Dunfermline out but on Thursday an independent appeals panel ordered the fourth round tie be replayed, but at Second Division Stenhousemuir’s Ochilview ground.

A date for the match has yet to be set with a last 16 home tie against Glasgow giants Celtic awaiting the winners.

The Pars were also fined 20,000 pounds for fielding Woods and 1,000 pounds for submitting an inaccurate team sheet. Dunfermline’s fourth round appearance fee was also forfeited.

The SFA insisted they had to expel Dunfermline to protect the tournament’s integrity but the Pars argued their punishment was “excessive”.

But after Thursday’s reversal, Dunfermline director of football Jim Leishman said: “We can still only apologise to the Dunfermline fans that we are in this situation but we are delighted that we are still in the cup.

“Last week, we thought we were out the cup but we got the chance to present our case and we are delighted to have the opportunity to go forward.”

He added: “Stenhousemuir have been magnificent in this. They haven’t said anything against it, they have went with the judgment.”

SFA chief executive Gordon Smith said they were taken aback by the appeal verdict but added he hoped it would serve as a warning to other clubs.

“We are surprised by the decision after what the emergency committee considered a number of serious infringements of the cup competition rules by Dunfermline Athletic,” Smith said in an SFA statement.

“Nonetheless, we respect the decision of the appeals board and hope that the situation involving Dunfermline Athletic, and the sanctions imposed on them tonight (Thursday) will ensure all participating clubs are mindful of the cup competition rules in future.”