SAUCHIE JUNIORS have been hit with a substantial points deduction for playing unregistered players.

The club were docked 15 points following the decision by the Scottish FA for allowing players to play before they had been fully registered with their systems.

Sauchie had attempted to appeal the case against them, but were unsuccessful in doing so, resulting in a straight 15 points deduction.

A club statement reads: "Sauchie Juniors Football Club would like to inform all associated with the club, that the recent Scottish FA judicial panel appeal from the East of Scotland Football League against the club for playing unregistered players and the issuing of a 15 point deduction of points has resulted in an unsuccessful appeal.

"The team will now be issued with a 15 point deduction in the East of Scotland Premier Division."

Registering players with the new COMET system has been a topic of contention for many clubs within the Scottish pyramid structure.

The new system, implemented this year by the Scottish FA, registers all players, coaches, referees and other officials.

All clubs, from youth football to the top level in Scotland, are expected to use COMET.

Sauchie Juniors cited a lack of available help and support on how to use COMET as the reason for this error.

The statement continued: "The club are understandably disappointed with the outcome as no help or support was provided from the relevant footballing authorities with the implementation of the new COMET system."

Sauchie Juniors currently sit in fifth place on 19 points, nine points off top of the table Musselburgh.

The deduction, when it comes into effect, will see the club reduced to 4 points, leaving them second bottom and just one point ahead of Edinburgh University.