Palace deducted points

Last updated : 01 June 2009 By Bladesmadeditor
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Rui Fonte was brought on as a substitute ten minutes after the break in the eventual 0:0 draw with Crystal Palace on the 3rd May 2009. The Blades had the opportunity to secure automatic promotion on the final day, but Birmingham's triumph at Reading meant United's result was not necessary.

The Portuguese striker's loan deal at Selhurst Park from Arsenal expired before the encounter with the Blades, but he featured for 35 minutes of the game, and the London outfit have paid the consequences in being docked the point they claimed in the goalless draw in early May. The Eagles will not drop any places with the deduction.

Crystal Palace has also been fined £20,000.

Just to refer back to the Carlos Tevez saga, why weren't a team deducted points for fielding an ineligible player for over 25 games, but a club who has fielded an ineligible player for 35 minutes has been docked points? Hmm?