[KIPAX]

From the fishy Alty website
http://www.altrinchamfc.co.uk/alty1.htm

ALTY DOWN

After the decision today by the FA to uphold the Conference's 18-point deduction and fine of £1,000, Altrincham FC has issued the following statement:

After the FA today upheld the Conference's earlier decision, the Altrincham FC Board are deeply disappointed with today's decision by the FA Appeals Panel. After a successful season on the pitch, this decision has come as a complete shock. On the positive side, the management and Board are totally committed to take the club onwards and upwards on the foundations set over the last four years. We can but thank our own fans for their loyalty and also the supporters and clubs throughout the English football community for their support".

Footnote: The deduction of 18 points, fine of £1,000 and consequent relegation of Altrincham follows their playing James Robinson in the Conference this season. Robinson was signed from another English club, Accrington Stanley, who failed to get international clerance for him. Last week Stanley were fined by the FA the princely sum of £200 for this offence