WEST Wales Intermediate Cup holders Johnston have admitted to playing an ineligible player and face being fined and banned from this prestigious competition.

Johnston official Glenn Murray said: “We have been investigated by the West Wales Football Association and we have admitted the charge.”

The Tigers convincingly won their third round tie 4-1 at Swansea League Division One outfit St Josephs on Saturday, December 7.

But shortly after the final whistle the referee was alerted by St Josephs officials that Luke Hayward had played for the Tigers while he was suspended, and he was told that the central midfielder had played under a different name than what was written on the official team sheet.

Hayward was sent off in the previous round against Carmarthenshire Premier outfit Evans & Williams, which the Tigers won 3-2 at home, and he was still serving his suspension when he appeared against St Josephs for The Tigers.

The referee immediately reported the allegation to the West Wales Football Association on the day of the complaint, and they immediately contacted Johnston asking for an explanation of the allegation.

Back in May, Johnston lifted the West Wales Intermediate Cup for the first time in the club’s history. They defeated Penlan Club in a thrilling final, where The Tigers won 3-2 in a nail-biting extra-time period at the Liberty Stadium.

But just seven months later it is ominous that they will be kicked out of the competition in disgrace. The harsh reality is that they have broken the rules and now they must face the damaging consequences.

Telegraph Sport spoke to West Wales FA assistant secretary Ceri Richards, who confirmed that they were investigating the serious allegation.

The Western Telegraph understands that Johnston have accepted that they were in the wrong and now it’s in the hands of the West Wales Football Association who will hand out severe punishment.