City chief slams 'pathetic' penalty

As reported in the Evening Press, Chesterfield look set to be docked only nine points and fined £20,000 after being found guilty of breaches of regulations by a joint Football League and Football Association inquiry.

Surprisingly, the inquiry found the vast majority of around 90 charges against the long time Third Division leaders "not proven".

It had been speculated Chesterfield would be automatically relegated to the Nationwide Conference or docked a minimum of 50 points.

However, their 1-0 win over Kidderminster on Saturday guaranteed them automatic promotion to Division Two for the time being - the Football League management committee must now decide whether to ratify the inquiry's recommendations.

Even if it does, the Spireites would only drop into the play-off places and could still in any case gain an automatic promotion spot.

Speaking to the Evening Press, City supremo Craig believes the matter is not cut and dried.

"I do not think the matter by any means is dead," he said.

"It is certainly the case that there are a lot of unhappy people in the Third Division and football generally at such a pathetic decision. There is a considerable amount of anger and ill-ease.

"It should be noted Chesterfield were not found not guilty. On some charges they were found guilty while some were not proven.

"It is up to the League board to decide whether to endorse the inquiry's decision."

Added the City chairman: "Chesterfield have indicated they intend to appeal.

"I do not see any reason why the Football League should not also appeal against the decision that has been arrived at on the grounds that one, the punishment not being severe enough and two, is it really the case that of 70 charges there was not sufficient evidence to merit a decision?"

Craig added: "I find it quite bizarre that the tribunal have found them guilty of the serious charges which they have done but have decided on such a pathetic sentence.

"And I find it rather strange that something like 70-charges were found not proven.

"That indicates to me that there was no case at all in the first instance or the prosecution was a bit pathetic."

Craig insisted the punishment gave a green light to other clubs who may consider breaching rules.

"It suggests those of us who are not minded to behave like that are going to come off worse, while the small minority who decide to behave in that manner next time know they are going to get off with a slap on the wrist."

Craig's comments have been backed by furious Torquay United owner Mike Bateson.

He said: "Nine points and a £20,000 fine is not even a slap on the wrist. It's disgraceful.

"If only the two particular charges mentioned were proven, then I regard them as very serious on their own.

"This drives a coach-and-horses through my understanding of the rules. Without rules, there is only anarchy.

"That's why I believe that anybody who breaks those rules should be hammered severely."

Punishment of Spireites:

FACED with around 90 charges, Chesterfield were found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute for breaking a total of eight League regulations.

They included the under-reporting of attendance figures and irregularities over the transfer of striker Luke Beckett from Chester last summer.

On the evidence supplied by Chesterfield of their new contract with Beckett, a transfer tribunal set the fee at £150,000, which still has not been paid to Chester.

It was alleged that Beckett was, in fact, on a contract worth nearly twice as much as the one submitted to the tribunal and lodged with the League.

The discrepancies over Beckett's contract is of particular interest to York City, who had tried to sign the striker from Chester for £150,000 before Chesterfield moved for his services.

Rubbing salt into Minstermen wounds, Beckett has scored 17 goals this season, including the decisive strike against Kidderminster on Saturday.

Updated: 11:51 Monday, April 16, 2001