Confusion as Wexford field 'suspended' player in Friday's win over Athlone

Wexford midfielder Thomas Croke appeared as a substitute during Friday's 1-0 win over Athlone despite appearing on a suspensions list circulated by the FAI.

27-year-old Croke was handed a one-game ban following the accumulation of five yellow cards and was included on the association's official list of banned players.

The former Waterford man was named on the substitute's bench for the game with Athlone on Friday and was introduced in place of Ryan Nolan in the 65^th minute.

According to extratime.ie's records, Croke was booked in league games on March 1^st, March 23^rd, June 1^st and, most recently, during the scoreless draw with Galway United on June 16^th.

On the league's official website, Croke is listed as picking up bookings on March 1^st, March 23^rd, May 25^th and June 16^th.

The only record that officially counts, however, is the report each referee submits at the end of the game and this is the sole source used to determine if a card was issued or not.

Wexford have previously fallen foul of eligibility rules at the end of last season, when Shelbourne were awarded a walkover on September 22^nd.

While the game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, Shelbourne were awarded a 3-0 win after Wexford fielded an under-17 goalkeeper, Colum Feeney, who hadn't been registerd for the senior team.

Extratime.ie have contacted both the FAI and Wexford for comment and will update if and when there is further correspondence.