Nantwich Town chairman Tony Davison has hit out after a promotion rival only received a suspended points deduction for fielding an ineligible player.
Evo-Stik Premier League has decided not to immediately deduct Darlington points after they were found guilty of selecting Anthony Bell in eight matches early in the season.
Bell was not eligible as the former Cardiff City player had not received international clearance.
Darlington were charged with playing an ineligible player, but leagues are permitted to use their discretion over the international clearance rule.
Nantwich chairman Tony Davison (pictured, above) has called for an explanation over the decision.
He told Northern Echo: “We would like to know why Darlington FC haven’t lost those points in this case, but the league are refusing to explain.
“It’s all about consistency.
“Several of us have been charged for fielding ineligible players in recent seasons, and we’ve gone down to Wembley to fight our corner, but still been deducted points.
“We would like to know why Darlington haven’t lost those points in this case, but the league are refusing to explain.”
Workington chairman Glenn Heathcote has complained to the Football Association about the decision.
He told the Non League Paper: “If you look further ahead to the end of the season, there’s going to be at least one club impacted if Darlington finish in the top five and are less than 12 points clear of sixth place.
“The team who finishes sixth is going to be denied at least a play-off place because of this decision.”
Nantwich Town slipped to fifth place in the league, the final play-off spot, after a 2-1 defeat at home by league leaders Blyth Spartans yesterday (January 23)
The Dabbers are now just one point ahead of sixth place Darlington.
Northern Premier League chairman Mark Harris has said the league’s policy is not to comment on any individual hearing.
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