THE Accrington and District Cricket League have hotly denied racist allegations after docking a team points last season for fielding an ineligible player - and then banned their captain indefinitely.

Chairman Paul Gateson denied the claims made by A Division side Millennium at the league's annual general meeting.

The club is now believed to have withdrawn from the league after captain Arshad Hussain was banned indefinitely for accusing the league executive of racism. He was advised to his right of appeal but had chosen not to do so.

But Mr Gateson said: "Racism has never played any part in and will never play any part in, any decision made by the league executive."

Controversy arose at the end of last season when Millennium were docked 10 points for playing Enfield Second XI player Matloob Khan - despite several previous warnings and contrary to league rules.

The loss of points denied Millennium the chance of winning the A Division title in a play-off against Attock.

League rules state that no player is allowed to play for an Accrington and District League club if they have played three or more matches for a Lancashire or Ribblesdale league team that season, unless they have permission.

At the meeting, the three game rule was clarified so that it would in future be in force from the beginning of the season.

League secretary Richard Brown said: "We do get clubs trying to bend this rule from time to time but this is the first time we have been accused of being racists. Millennium have made no contact with the league and as far as I am aware they have withdrawn from the league. However that will be clarified when we hold our formation meeting next month."

The meeting also reported that they league had reported a loss of £439 on the season compared to a loss of £25 in 1998. The £350 shortfall was attributed to lack of sponsorship and also to fewer teams entering the league.

A sub committee is also to be set up to coordinate the events of the year, which will include the release of a book about the history of the league.

Any teams wishing to join the league should attend the formation meeting at The Great Eastern on Wednesday, March 15.

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