Doncaster Rovers disappointed with ruling on cancelled Bolton Wanderers game and welcome EFL appeal

An independent disciplinary panel appointed by the EFL ruled Bolton should be handed a five point deduction, suspended for 18 months, and a £70,000 fine, half of which to be suspended for 18 months, for failure to fulfil fixtures against Rovers this season and Brentford last.

It was also ordered that the cancelled fixture between Rovers and Bolton – originally scheduled for August 20 at the University of Bolton Stadium – should be rearranged as soon as possible.

The manner of the punishment has led the EFL to appeal the decision. READ MORE

In reacting to the independent panel's judgement, Rovers – who have consistently stated a view that the game should be awarded to them – declared their disappointed with the outcome.

A club statement read: “Doncaster Rovers note the outcome of the independent panel’s disciplinary hearing into Bolton’s cancellation of their fixture against us and failure to fulfil a previous game against Brentford.

“Bolton pleaded guilty to the charges, with the independent panel deciding that our fixture should be rearranged along with a fine and suspended points deduction. “We are obviously disappointed with this decision and believe it has the ability to undermine the integrity of the competition.

“We understand the EFL have the option of appealing the decision, and we believe it is prudent to await the outcome of that process before taking further action.

“We will look to work with our counterparts at Shrewsbury Town and Tranmere Rovers to rearrange those postponed fixtures.”

Rovers saw fixtures with Shrewsbury and Tranmere postponed for international call-ups and a waterlogged pitch respectively.