Ainsley Walters, Freelance Reporter

MARLON SMALL, manager of relegation-threatened National Premier League team, August Town, yester-day reacted with shock and amazement when informed by The Gleaner that Reno had been awarded three points and a 3-0 win after Seba's no-show for a crucial match at St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS).

"What? Reno have been awarded points?" a shocked Small asked when contacted for comment yesterday evening, hours after the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) issued a release stating Seba had been fined $30,000.

Move up

The competition committee of the JFF awarded full points and a 3-0 win to Reno, who were two points above August Town in the relegation zone.

The points won in the boardroom moved Reno to 40, joining St Georges and Arnett Gardens, five clear of last place August Town on 35.

Seba, who reportedly cited transportation problems prevented them from reaching STETHS, where the match was scheduled to be played.

"What happened to natural justice?" Small asked, still in shock. "I am truly and bitterly disappointed. The game should be played as it affects all the other teams. I believe it looks very bad. I believe the ruling should have been otherwise. From what I was hearing, I thought the match would have been played on Sunday. This is crazy

"It looks bad to see that its Reno and Seba - two teams from the west, not a town and country team. It really looks weird because the result has so much to do with relegation. A loss, win or draw could change situation entirely and Reno have now undeservedly got three points."

Second ruling

Smith said yesterday's ruling was the second time for the season Reno were benefiting from full points in the boardroom, both affecting August Town.

"They kicked a ball through the side-netting at Reno and it was said that the referee had already ruled it as a goal. We lost the match 1-0 in the second round. Now, they've got three more free points. That's six points at our expense. This is too much," Small lamented.

$30,000 fine

The disciplinary committee cited Article 7, Section 6 of the Rules and Regulations, National Premier League 2007-2008 Season.

"Seba United was fined $30,000 to be paid on or before May 10, 2008. Three points were consequently awarded to Reno FC. This decision cannot be appealed," the JFF release stated.

It added: "If a team does not report for a match - except in cases of force majeure recognised by the JFF Competitions Committee - or if it refuses to continue to play or leaves the stadium before the end of a match, the team shall be considered as having lost the match and three points shall be awarded to its opponents with a score of 3-0 or more if, in the case of an abandoned match, the winning team has already reached a higher score at the time the guilty team leaves the field. The guilty team shall be fined thirty thousand dollars ($30,000). The team may also be referred to the complaints and disciplinary committee for further actions to be taken in accordance with Article 69 of the JFF Disciplinary Code."