Hibernian have been removed from the Premier Sports Cup
Hibernian have been forced to apologise to supporters after an administrative error led to the club being kicked out of the Premier Sports Cup.
Morton were awarded a 3-0 win after Hibs selected suspended defender Rocky Bushiri in their final group game on Wednesday night.
The game itself finished 1-1 on the night, with Morton winning the penalty shootout after Lee Johnson’s side missed three penalties, allowing Morton to pick up the extra bonus point.
Hibs can no longer qualify for the knockout stages
Hibs still had chance to qualify from Group D as long as Clyde beat Falkirk on Saturday but their hopes were ended after it emerged that Bushiri was ineligible to play.
The defender had been booked in each of Hibs’ last two games and have been charged by the Scottish Professional Football League, which included being deducted a point as well as handed a £1,000 fine.
A statement from the club apologised to supporters, who were left angered that such a simple error had been made.
Hibernian FC can confirm that the Club has been penalised by the SPFL for breaching rules and regulations in the Premier Sports Cup.https://t.co/ATQ21Hnbyo
— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) July 21, 2022
They said: “During the final group stage match against Greenock Morton, the Club featured a player who was subject to a one-match suspension in the competition.
“Following an SPFL hearing on Thursday 21 July 2022, it has been confirmed that last night’s game has been recorded as a 3-0 win to the cinch Championship side.
“Hibernian FC would like to apologise to its supporters, to Greenock Morton, and to the SPFL for the rule breach.
“The administrative error has been investigated internally, and whilst processes are already in place to prevent issues of this nature from occurring, additional steps have been added to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
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