Former St Johnstone striker Stevie May missed out on making his debut for new club Sheffield Wednesday last night because of a suspension incurred in the Scottish Cup.
The 21-year-old had hoped to play a part in the Owls’ Capital One Cup clash with Notts County at Hillsborough.
However, May accrued two yellow cards in the Scottish Cup last season playing for Saints, triggering a one-match ban.
In Scotland, suspensions are served in the respective competition in which the sanction was received.
In England, however, the rules state that first-team suspensions are served immediately, irrespective of the competition.
The Owls’ club secretary Lindsey Taylor said: “On receipt of the International Transfer Certificate for Stevie on Monday afternoon, a sporting sanction was registered and when investigated was found to be an outstanding suspension.
“On the transfer of registration to an English club, this suspension falls into our system and becomes a suspension which must be served instantly and automatically from the date of confirmed registration until we have completed one first team competitive fixture.
“Unfortunately, Stevie is therefore suspended for the Notts County fixture but will be cleared of suspension and available for Saturday’s home game with Derby County.”
The Owls’ next game is a Championship clash against Johnny Russell’s Derby County’s at Hillsborough this Saturday.