LIVINGSTON have been ordered by the SPFL to replay their IRN-BRU Cup fourth round tie against Crusaders and fined £4000 for fielding an ineligible player.
The governing body announced today that Livi played Alan Lithgow in the 2-1 away win in Northern Ireland despite the defender being suspended at the time.
The tie will now be staged for a second time at Seaview Stadium in Belfast on Tuesday 1 November.
An SPFL statement read: "At a disciplinary hearing held today (Monday, 24 October) a sub-committee of the SPFL Board charged Livingston Football Club for playing Alan Lithgow in an IRN-BRU Cup match whilst he was ineligible as he was under a Scottish FA suspension at the time.
"The defender started the game and played the full 90 minutes in Livingston’s 2-1 win away to Crusaders in the IRN-BRU Cup fourth round on Friday, 7 October of this year.
"Livingston pled guilty to breach of the Regulations of the SPFL Challenge Cup Competition.
"As a result, the club were censured, ordered to replay the game against Crusaders Football Club and fined £4,000.
"The replay has been arranged for Tuesday 1 November with a 7.45pm kick-off at Seaview Stadium, Belfast.
SPFL Chief Executive Neil Doncaster said: “In the interests of sporting integrity and fairness to both sides, the game will be replayed.”
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