BURY boss Chris Casper last night blasted the FA after the Shakers lost their appeal against expulsion.Chester City were confirmed as Ipswich Town's FA Cup third-round opponents on Saturday, January 6, following the decision.

By Derek Davis

BURY boss Chris Casper last night blasted the FA after the Shakers lost their appeal against expulsion.

Chester City were confirmed as Ipswich Town's FA Cup third-round opponents on Saturday, January 6, following the decision. Bury also lose out on the £24,000 prize money for reaching the third round and 45% gate receipts for the tie.

Casper said: “We're disappointed, angry and frustrated. We had a strong case and we've been treated the same as a team that didn't own up to it and tried to hide their mistake.

“If that's justice, the FA can keep their justice as far as I'm concerned. It's a weak decision.”

Although Bury won the replay at Chester 3-1, they were subsequently expelled when they revealed on-loan Stephen Turnbull had played without the necessary paperwork from Hartlepool being registered.

The FA ruled on December 20 that they should be kicked out of the cup but Bury appealed and a panel upheld the original decision.

Chester and Ipswich have met only once before, in February 1980 when goals from George Burley and John Wark were enough to see Town through in a 2-1 win.