London--Gloucester have had two points deducted from their total for the 2014-15 English Premiership season for fielding an ineligible player, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) announced on Thursday.
An independent panel originally gave Gloucester a suspended two-point deduction and a £5,000 ($7,717, 6,790 euros) fine in April for fielding lock Mariano Galarza, who was incorrectly registered, in a 23-6 defeat at Sale on March 29.
The RFU successfully appealed that the points deduction should take effect immediately, but the punishment has no impact on Gloucester's ninth-place finish in the table.
"We're naturally disappointed by the RFU's decision to appeal the original outcome and the subsequent decision," Gloucester chief executive Stephen Vaughan said in a statement.
"There is no point revisiting the reasons why we feel this is unduly harsh, but can only hope that the reasons were fact-based and not due to pressure from other parties.
"In the interests of moving on, and looking forward to the start of a new season, we have accepted the decision and now consider the matter closed."
AFP
