Bonnyrigg Rose Handed Six-Point Deduction Over Pitch Slope

Scottish League Two club Bonnyrigg Rose has incurred a six-point deduction due to the gradient of its New Dundas Park pitch. The Midlothian-based club has subsequently initiated a fundraising campaign to finance the necessary resurfacing works. This penalty stems from a Scottish Professional Football League disciplinary tribunal, where the governing body reported that the club acknowledged violating regulations. Previously, in September, the Scottish FA had reduced the club’s licence from bronze level to entry level, a downgrade prompted by the pitch’s gradient. A bronze-level licence is a mandatory prerequisite for participation in the SPFL. In addition to the six-point deduction, Bonnyrigg has received a warning regarding its future conduct. The club is now required to submit comprehensive details by 31 January concerning its funding arrangements and a proposed programme of works to facilitate pitch levelling next summer. Consequently, Bonnyrigg will descend four positions in the league standings, moving from fourth to third bottom, while maintaining a two-point lead over Clyde and Forfar Athletic. The club issued an appeal for donations on X, stating: “The Rosey Posey, the heartbeat to our community, needs your help.” They further elaborated: “We are fundraising to help towards levelling the pitch as well as improve draining, etc., to ensure compliance with league membership.” Bonnyrigg secured promotion to League 2 in 2022 following their victory in the Lowland League, and concluded last season in eighth place out of 10 teams.