'Astonished' Hamilton to appeal 15-point deduction

Hamilton Academical say they are "astonished" after a 15-point deduction for breaching league rules left them facing relegation from the Scottish Championship.

The SPFL revealed the club had been charged with four offences, and say an independent disciplinary tribunal found the Lanarkshire club guilty.

John Rankin's side were seven points clear of bottom side Airdrieonians in the second tier but their punishment means they are now eight adrift with nine points left to play for and could be relegated as soon as this weekend.

According to the league, the offences relate a failure to pay six players and not acting in "good faith" when dealing with the SPFL about the removal of a transfer ban following previous financial issues.

The other charges relate to:

• giving incorrect information to the league about the ownership of the club's stadium

• a late submission of their membership criteria for the season

• failing to meet the required standard of Scottish FA licence to participate in the league.

As well as a points deduction the club has been fined £9,000, £2,500 of which is suspended pending further indiscretions.

In response, Hamilton said they are "astonished and disappointed" at the tribunal decision and confirmed they will appeal to the Scottish FA.

It was revealed earlier this month that Hamilton face leaving their New Douglas Park home because the ground is rented to them by the club's previous owners.

They face Queen's Park at home on Saturday and need to win to avoid immediately dropping into League 1, however the appeal means their fate might not be decided until after the league campaign is concluded.

The updated Scottish Championship table shows Hamilton eight points adrift at the foot of the league after their 15-point deduction

SPFL now coming down hard on clubs - analysis

This points deduction could hardly come at a more difficult time of the season. It has taken Hamilton from within touching distance of retaining their place in the Championship to almost guaranteeing relegation to League 1.

In recent seasons, both Edinburgh City and Bonnyrigg Rose have had points deductions imposed for breaching SPFL rules.

And it appears the SPFL are now beginning to come down hard on clubs who fail to adhere to the rules and regulations that others abide by.

The players at Accies - along with manager John Rankin - have performed well in recent weeks with big wins at Dunfermline and Partick giving them all hope of survival. This will be a bitter pill to swallow for all of those involved.

Hamilton have five working days to appeal against the sanctions and, with the league due to be concluded in just over two weeks, there is little time left for those in control at the club to try and save them from the drop.