Accies docked 15 points to hand Airdrie survival lifeline

Hamilton Accies have been hammered by the SPFL with a devastating 15-point deduction and a £9000 fine for a series of alleged breaches of SPFL rules that puts them on the cusp of relegationand could save Airdrie from the drop.

- PAUL THOMSON

Accies were called before the SPFL Disciplinary Tribunal last Thursday and they were found guilty on four charges relating to their SFA licence, incorrect information regarding stadium ownership, late provision of membership criteria submission and the failure to notify the SPFL after six players had their wages delayed earlier in the season.

John Rankin's men were sitting seventh in the Championship, but their deduction plunged them into the automatic relegation spot and their 0-0 draw with Queen's Park on Saturday has relegated them, subject to their appeal being heard.