EFL concerned Bolton punishment for missing fixtures is 'too lenient' as they launch appeal - Wanderers hit back

It comes after Sunderland’s League One rivals were hit with a suspended five-point penalty for failing to fulfil two fixtures. The League One bottom side, who began the season on minus 12 points as punishment for going into administration, have also been fined £70,000.

Both the five-point penalty and half of the fine will be suspended for 18 months.

But the decision was taken by an independent disciplinary commission - appointed under EFL regulations – and now EFL bosses are concerned it is too lenient.

Bolton say they will vehemently defend any appeal.

An EFL spokesman said: “The EFL is disappointed by the conclusions reached by the independent Disciplinary Commission in respect of Bolton Wanderers and it is the firm view of the League that the sanction imposed is too lenient when consideration is given to all the circumstances of the case.

“Given the potential for postponements to have a significant impact on competition integrity and, following receipt of advice overnight on the reasons provided, the League will appeal the outcome in the strongest possible sense.”

Bolton Wanderers chairman Sharon Brittan said: “We are naturally very disappointed by this outcome as we had hoped a line had been drawn and we’d be able to move on.

“We will vehemently defend any appeal.”

The rest of the punishments will only be activated if Bolton are subject to further misconduct charges for non-fulfilment of fixtures in that period.

Bolton fell into financial difficulties before the end of last season, when they were in the Championship, and cancelled a game against Brentford.

They were then forced to postpone a game against Doncaster earlier this season as the club tried to complete a takeover.

The club were hit with a two-point deduction for the Brentford fixture and a three-point deduction for the Doncaster game, which is to be rearranged.

The fines of £20,000 and £50,000 are for the Brentford and Doncaster games respectively.