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Blackpool fined for fielding weakened team

Ian Holloway has led Blackpool well in the Premier League this season © PA Photos

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Blackpool have been hit with a £25,000 fine after being found guilty of fielding a weakened team against Aston Villa in November.

Seasiders boss Ian Holloway made 10 changes to his side for their game against Villa, a game they lost 3-2. At the time Holloway launched a staunch defence of his team selection, suggesting he would quit if he was hit with any sort of punishment.

Asked what he would do if the Premier League imposed a punishment on his club, an angry Holloway said: "I'd pack in. I can't work for this madness. I would resign. They do not know what they're talking about.''

But the Premier League has opted to punish Blackpool with an immediate fine. That contrasts to the suspended £25,000 fine handed down to Wolverhampton Wanderers after Mick McCarthy's decision to rest ten players for their game against Manchester United in December 2009.

"Blackpool Football Club can confirm the Premier League board has found the club guilty of breaches of Rules B.13 and E.20 in relation to the team fielded by the blub in its fixture against Aston Villa on 10th November 2010," a statement read. "As a result of this breach of rules Blackpool FC has been fined £25,000.

"In reaching a decision the board took into account the team fielded by Blackpool in its match against West Ham United on 13th November 2010 and in subsequent League matches. The board also considered the team fielded in the FA Cup third round tie versus Southampton FC and Ian Holloway's comments concerning the team selected for that game.

"The board was also mindful of the fact that as recently as June 10 2010, following the introduction of the League's new Home Grown Player and Squad Rules, the clubs considered but ruled out removing Rule E.20 and the board is therefore committed to applying it in such extreme cases. The Seasiders have 14 days to decide whether to appeal."

Holloway and Blackpool have yet to respond to the decision.

Meanwhile, Blackpool have announced the signing of Morocco international Salaheddine Sbai from French club Nimes. The left-back joins the club until the end of the season and has the option of another year with the Premier League side.

Discussions to sign Plymouth defender Onismor Bhasera are ongoing at present. Bhasera would join the club on loan initially, with a view to a permanent move.

"He's up there at the moment," Plymouth manager Peter Reid told the club's official website. "From what I've been told that should go through. We get a fee on that as well, which helps what we're trying to do in the terms of paying the tax man."

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