BURY manager Chris Casper has launched a stinging attack on the Football Association after they upheld their decision to throw the club out of the FA Cup.
The League II team were expelled from the competition after admitting fielding an ineligible player, on-loan Hartlepool midfielder Stephen Turnbull, in the 3-1 second round replay win over Chester. Bury's appeal against the decision was rejected after a hearing with an FA sub- committee yesterday and Chester will now host Ipswich in the third round.
A Bury delegation highlighted similar previous cases during the meeting, and following the ruling Casper expressed his disappointment at the FA's verdict, as well as the current regulations.
"We're disappointed, angry and frustrated," he said.
"We had a strong case and we've been treated the same as a team that didn't own up to it and tried to hide their mistake.
"If that's justice, the FA can keep their justice as far as I'm concerned. It's a weak decision."
Turnbull is on loan from Hartlepool but Bury did not get the official go-ahead for him to play in the FA Cup.
Hartlepool manager Danny Wilson had given verbal permission but the paperwork was never sent to Bury.
Chester manager Mark Wright insisted the FA had made the correct decision.
"Rules are rules - and they are there not to be broken," said Wright.
"Bury must be gutted, and it's unfortunate for them.
"Of course, I feel for them. But the FA make the rules; they have to stick to them, and the right decision was made."
