HAMMERS FACE CUP EXPULSION

Manny Omoyinmi came on as a substitute, replacing Paolo Wanchope, with seven minutes of extra time remaining at Upton Park. The problem is that Omoyinmi played for Gillingham in an earlier round of the competition during a loan stint at The Priestfield Stadium.

The young forward played in both legs of Gillingham`s tie with Bolton Wanderers and was thus cup-tied and prevented from appearing again in the Worthington Cup this season. Although the error will be a mere oversight by Harry Redknapp, it is a clear breach of the rules.

The Hammers, ironically, were faced with a similar threat when they played Igor Stimac whilst under suspension in the Uefa Cup but they survived an appeal on that occasion and they will be looking for similar luck this time around.

However, The Football League may impose the ultimate penalty of throwing the East Londoners out of the competition and that would grant an extraordinary reprieve to John Gregory`s Aston Villa. Another possibility would be to force a replay between the teams.Adam Marshall