Page 28 - Irish Examiner USA

sportsexaminer
28

2019 Bury FC Expelled From Vakoun Bayo Scores A
The English Football League
28th, Bury have Brace As Celtic Return

August been expelled
from
the
| E n g l i s h To The Top
F o o t b a l l
EXAMINER almost certain-
League after a
day
of
high
drama that will
IRISH ly result in the
134-year-old club being liquidated.
Shakers owner Steve Dale had been given until 5pm on
Tuesday to come up with a plan for paying the club’s debts
and funding them going forward or sell them to someone
who can.
It had been hoped that C&N Sporting Risk would be the
answer but the London-based firm pulled out of the deal 90
minutes before the deadline, citing concerns over the club’s
confusing debt structure.
And then, just when all hope seemed lost, Dale claimed he
had received three new bids for the club, prompting fans,
politicians and pundits to call for more time to explore these
options.
But shortly after 11pm, the league revealed its verdict.
In a statement, it said: “The EFL board met earlier this
evening and, after a long and detailed discussion, determined akoun Bayo claimed minute. ward. He made a smart save
that Bury FC’s membership of the English Football League be two goals on his first Fraser Forster also came from Aaron Hickey’s well-
withdrawn after the deadline passed at 5pm today (Tuesday Vstart as Celtic beat into the Celtic side after struck half-volley moments
27 August) without a successful resolution.” Hearts 3-1 to ensure they rejoining the club on loan later.
Appleton issued a brief statement to say he had “noted” will travel to Ibrox leading from Southampton in mid- Hearts threatened to cut
the lifting of the withdrawal notice, which the league sus- the Ladbrokes week and the goalkeeper their way through Celtic
pended when he was appointed earlier this summer to allow Premiership. saved Conor Washington’s with the help of some sharp
him time to sell Bolton, but would continue to try to save the The Ivory Coast interna- 81st-minute penalty only for passing from debutante
club. tional has had to wait seven the Northern Ireland interna- Glenn Whelan but
“All parties have been in continuous dialogue throughout months for his full debut but tional to net the rebound. Washington was flagged off-
the day and are working closely together this evening in he made his mark as Celtic The goal was a mere con- side as Scott Brown slid in to
order to bring a deal to completion,” he said. quickly regained top spot on solation for Hearts, who block his shot.
“We will continue to work through the night if necessary. goal difference following denied Celtic any chances in Celtic soon went two
There will be a further update as soon as possible.” Rangers’ 1-0 win over St the opening quarter despite ahead in the 54th minute.
Having already postponed Bury’s first five scheduled Mirren earlier in the day. losing Michael Smith to Forrest’s run and Christie’s
league games and kicked them out of the EFL Cup, the There was some doubt injury early on. instant pass gave McGregor
league had made it clear to Dale there would be no more about whether Bayo got the Bayo got an opportunity time to shoot from 22 yards
added time after he was given an extension to the last dead- final touch on both occasions after peeling off his marker to and he fired into the corner
line on Friday night. but his determination to get meet Ryan Christie’s corner. of the net.
League One will now proceed with 23 clubs for the on the end of crosses from Joel Pereira blocked the Bayo was celebrating
remainder of the season and only three clubs will be relegat- James Forrest and Kristoffer header at the expense of a again six minutes later after
ed in order to bring the division back to 24 teams next season. Ajer merited the recognition. corner. cutting across Halkett to
That plan, however, could change if Bolton are also expelled Callum McGregor fired a Hearts’ on-loan meet Ajer’s low cross. The
in the coming days. trademark long-range strike Manchester United goalkeep- ball swept into the far corner
EFL executive chair Debbie Jevans said: “Today is in between as Celtic made it er did not look so assured after both men slid in.
undoubtedly one of the darkest days in the league’s recent 15 goals from their opening when Celtic took the lead The striker was greeted
history. The EFL has worked determinedly and tirelessly to three league matches. five minutes later. with a hug from manager
avoid this outcome and it is with a heavy heart that this situ- Bayo was handed the lone Christie opened up play Neil Lennon after making
ation has been forced upon us. striker’s role after working with a crossfield ball and way for Leigh Griffiths, who
“Today is undoubtedly one of the darkest days in the his way up to fitness follow- Forrest delivered a first-time had a frustrating afternoon as
league’s recent history ing hamstring problems cross from the left wing. Hearts pushed forward for
“The EFL has to place the integrity of our competitions at which had restricted the 22- Craig Halkett appeared to most of the closing stages.
the heart of every decision we make, and we simply cannot year-old to three late appear- leave it for his goalkeeper but They were lifted by
allow this unacceptable situation to continue or countenance ances off the bench since Pereira was slow in coming Washington’s goal after
the prospect of postponing further fixtures. arriving from Slovakian side out and Bayo threw himself Brown was ruled by Willie
“I understand this will be a deeply upsetting and devastat- Dunajska Streda in January. at the ball which went in off Collum to have fouled Sean
ing time for Bury’s players, staff, supporters and the wider The Ivory Coast interna- either the frontman or Clare as both men competed
community. There is no doubt today’s news will be felt tional showed the Celtic fans Christophe Berra. for a loose ball, but Craig
across the entire football family. he was worth the wait with a Forster, making only his Levein’s side could not trou-
“No one wanted to be in this position but following repeat- lively display and he was cen- second appearance since ble Forster again.
ed missed deadlines, the suspension of five league fixtures, in timeters away from a hat- Boxing Day 2017, was Celtic now travel to
addition to not receiving the evidence we required in regard trick when he headed booked for hacking down Sweden for the second leg of
to financial commitments and a possible takeover not materi- Forrest’s cross off the inside Jake Mulraney outside his their Europa League play-off
alizing; the EFL board has been forced to take the most diffi- of the post just before going box after initially dealing against AIK before facing
cult of decisions.” C
off with cramp in the 78th with a dangerous ball for- Rangers next Sunday. C