In a stunning turn of events, Stranraer has been expelled from the Scottish Cup. The League Two side fielded an ineligible player in their victory over Queen's Park. This means they will miss out on a lucrative match against Rangers, a game that could have generated around £200,000 for the club. The decision was confirmed following a Scottish FA tribunal.

The ineligible player was goalkeeper Lyndon Tas, signed on loan from Hearts. Due to a postponement, Tas was not registered for the original match date. Scottish FA rules state that only players registered for the initial date can play in the event of postponements, abandonments, or replays. The SFA didn't grant emergency loan approval for Tas.

This outcome is a massive blow for Stranraer, who were looking forward to the financial windfall and the prestige of playing Rangers. The club expressed disappointment, acknowledging their responsibility in the error. Queen's Park will now face Rangers. Stranraer's strong form in League Two, currently fourth, is overshadowed by this cup setback.

The situation underscores the importance of adhering to player registration rules. The financial implications of missing out on a tie against a club like Rangers are substantial for lower-league teams, highlighting the impact of administrative errors in football. The original match was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.