Ayr Utd awarded League Cup group win after Elgin City field banned player Darryl McHardy

Image source, SNS

Image caption, Darryl McHardy came on in the 33rd minute at Somerset Park despite being suspended

Ayr United have been awarded a 3-0 win over Elgin City after the fourth-tier side fielded a suspended player in Saturday's League Cup group game.

Darryl McHardy was subject to a one-match ban and came on as a first-half substitute in the goalless draw.

Ayr won the penalty shootout following the 90 minutes and secured a bonus point in addition to their point for the draw at Somerset Park.

Elgin have also been fined 拢1,000 and "warned as to future conduct".

In a statement, the SPFL said: "Elgin City FC admitted breaching SPFL rules and regulations by playing the player in the match while he was serving a one-match Scottish FA suspension."

Ayr, who suffered a 3-0 home defeat by Queen of the South on Tuesday, are now second in Group F with four points.

Elgin, whose next group match is at Annan Athletic on Saturday, are bottom of the section.