An MP is questioning the Football League's decision to dock Hereford three points for fielding an ineligible player, and criticised the punishment as "harsh and disproportionate". The punishment has left the League Two side in danger of dropping out of the Football League altogether.
Hereford were docked three points and Torquay one after both fielded an ineligible player in the same League Two match.
Damian Collins MP, who sits on the Parliamentary culture, media and sport committee, has now queried with the league why Hereford were given a harsher punishment.
Collins, who grew up in Hereford, says in a letter to the league's chief operating officer Andy Williams: "I would be interested to learn of the Football League's reasoning in docking three points from Hereford United but only one point from Torquay United for the same offence committed during the same match.
"Should not the penalty have been equal for both teams? It also seems to be a particularly significant issue for Hereford, as they may be relegated as a result. This seems to be a harsh and disproportionate penalty in the circumstances."
