Carlisle United have escaped with a fine after former Town winger Sean Friars played in a match whilst ineligible. The Northern Irishman was on trial with the Cumbrian club at the time of his one and only appearance.

Carlisle received a £25,000 fine, although there had previously been talk that they may have faced a points deduction.

A club spokesperson said: "This was a very regrettable yet totally innocent error over the registration of player Sean Friars and would certainly not have happened had the club secretary not been unavoidably absent for the home game (Carlisle United v Mansfield Town, 10th October 2001). Sean Friars was registered with the club as a reserve team player only and was unwittingly selected as a substitute squad player for that particular game."

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