West Ham United’s Under-21 side have been thrown out of the Papa John’s Trophy after fielding an ineligible player against Gillingham and as a result the Kent side will benefit to the tune of £10,000.

The Hammers played Ajibola Alese in their Southern Group A game against Gillingham on October 26th when he suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the previous group fixtures.

West Ham have been docked three points and, as a result, are out of the competition.

They have been replaced in the last 32 by League Two side Colchester United.

West Ham have said they “acknowledge the sanctions” received from the FA and EFL.

In a statement, West Ham said: “Clubs are informed of on-field player disciplinary records and suspensions via the FA’s online portal and, despite this not identifying the suspension of the player concerned at the time and therefore the pertinent formal notification from the FA not being provided, the club notes the decisions reached and await the full written reasons.”

In accordance with Rule 30 of the Papa John’s Trophy, following consideration of all available evidence, the EFL Board has also determined that alongside the 3-point penalty, Gillingham will now be awarded the £10,000 win bonus as compensation for the costs of hosting the fixture, though no further financial penalty will be imposed on West Ham United for the breach in light of mitigating factors put forward by the club.