Livingston charged with fielding ineligible player in Irn-Bru Cup tie
Friday 14 October 2016 17:19, UK
Livingston could be expelled from the Irn-Bru Cup after being charged with fielding an ineligible player against Crusaders last Friday.
Livi beat the Irish side 2-1 in the fourth round tie to progress to the quarter-finals where they have been drawn to face Welsh champions TNS.
Defender Alan Lithgow played the full 90 minutes for Livingston but he was suspended by the Scottish FA after being sent off in the 3-1 League One defeat at East Fife on September 24.
The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) will now hold a hearing on Monday with Livingston facing the possibility of being thrown out of the competition.
An SPFL statement read: "It has been reported to the SPFL that Alan Lithgow of Livingston FC played in the Irn-Bru fourth round cup tie away to Crusaders FC on Friday, 7 October, 2016, while under suspension by the Scottish FA.
"Alan Lithgow started for Livingston FC in the above game and played the full 90 minutes.
"As a result, Livingston FC have today been charged with fielding an ineligible player and are requested to attend a hearing to be held by the SPFL on Monday, 24 October, 2016.
"No further statement will be provided before this hearing takes place."
