Braintree Town's Bruce was eligible to play

By maharris

FOLLOWING a day of speculation Braintree Town have confirmed they haven't broken FA rules by playing Joe Bruce when he was alleged to have been suspended.

The allegation was brought to the club's attention this morning (Thursday) when a member of the Iron Chatter internet-based forum pointed out the FA's website showed Bruce was serving a two match suspension, which started last Saturday.

It meant the defender could have been illegally played in the Iron's two opening defeats of the season, and rumours were spreading on various internet forums that Braintree could face a points deduction.

But club chairman Lee Harding has told the Chronicle, that it was the FA who are in the wrong and not the club, meaning Bruce was free to play and there will be no penalty.

Harding said: "Our secretary Tom Woodley always rings up the FA in pre-season to confirm that none of the new signings or any of the other players have suspensions.

"They confirmed Andy Porter was banned for one game. But someone saw on the FA's website that Joe was subject to suspension.

"We checked their website and Tom contacted the FA and they confirmed Joe wasn't suspended. We told them their site was wrong and we have now got it in writing from them confirming Joe was not suspended.

"It's more of a reflection on the FA than it is on us."