We the undersigned are calling for a level playing field in football.

Last season Altrincham FC's appeal against an 18-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player was turned down by the FA, on the grounds that rules are rules.

If that is the case why, on March 26, did the FA's appeals board reduce AFC Wimbledon's 18-point deduction for an identical offence?

The FA said they had reduced Wimbledon's punishment despite their clear breach of Ryman League rules because of "specific and unusual circumstances".

But were the circumstances in Altrincham's case not also "unusual"? The club brought in James Robinson, the player in question, from Accrington Stanley in good faith that all relevant paperwork had been completed, although it later turned out he had no international clearance.

Are these not significant mitigating circumstances?

We would like to see the FA apply consistency in its decision-making and as a matter of principle, we would like to see the 18 points deducted from Altrincham's 2005/06 total fully reinstated.

To sign the petition, leave a comment below.

For the full story and Altrincham chairman Geoff Goodwin's reaction to the FA's latest decision click here.