Partick Thistle request for cup replay rejected

Ricco Diack was prevented from being introduced as a substitute

A request from Partick Thistle to have their League Cup match at Motherwell replayed has been dismissed.

Thistle wrote to the SPFL and Scottish FA after an error prevented them from fielding Ricco Diack as a late substitute in the 0-0 draw.

The SFA apologised after the mistake in a new electronic team lines system came to light.

The Glasgow team has now revealed the SPFL admitted to "human error by a match official" but that a replay will not take place on those grounds.

The Championship issued an update on Tuesday night, saying; "By way of explanation, both the SPFL and Scottish FA have confirmed that the fact we were denied the opportunity to introduce Ricco Diack as a substitute during Sunday’s second half was due to human error by a match official.

"It has also been confirmed to us by the SPFL, who are responsible for the running of the Premier Sports Cup, that while this particular error is an 'unusual one' the SPFL does not replay matches as a result of errors by match officials.

"While everyone at the club remains deeply frustrated by this situation, we reluctantly accept the explanations offered and, again reluctantly, consider the matter closed."

Partick won the penalty shootout on Sunday and took two points from the fixture, but one point was enough for Motherwell to top the group and progress to the next round.

They have been drawn to host Premiership rivals Kilmarnock in the last 16.

Taking all three points with a win in 90 minutes would have taken Partick through.

As striker Diack, 19, waited at the touchline to come on, he was told he was not on the fourth official's list of substitutes.

Manager Kris Doolan appealed for a return to paper team lists after the officials' failure to properly use the SFA's new online administration system, Comet.

And the club said in their statement: "It has become clear to us that the processes being followed by match officials for the submission of team lines through the new system are insufficient.

"We understand that a number of the match officials refereeing our fixtures so far this season will be using the system for the first time, but there needs to be a system of accountability to ensure fairness and transparency for all clubs."

Doolan instead fielded winger Logan Chalmers. Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell had wondered why Diack was not among the substitutes.

"I've seen a team line with his name on it, but it's not in the place where the rest of the subs are," he said.

"We know he is a promising young player. We know he is someone who can come on and add something to their front line.

"I can understand Kris' frustration if it was down to something as simple as an admin error."