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Altrincham's appeal against their 18 point deduction for fielding an ineligible player has been rejected by the FA.
Altrincham had received massive support from other Conference fans, with 9,000 signatures on a petition against the deduction, and Grays chairman Mick Woodward paid for a barrister to represent Altrincham at today's hearing.
A statement from Altrincham reads: "After the FA today upheld the Conference's earlier decision, the Altrincham FC Board are deeply disappointed with today's decision by the FA Appeals Panel. After a successful season on the pitch, this decision has come as a complete shock. On the positive side, the management and Board are totally committed to take the club onwards and upwards on the foundations set over the last four years. We can but thank our own fans for their loyalty and also the supporters and clubs throughout the English football community for their support".
