FAW: Nathaniel MG Cup final statement

The New Saints manager Craig Harrison has received a three-match ban – two of them suspended until the end of the 2025-26 season – for his conduct at the end of the Nathaniel Cup Final between TNS and Aberystwyth Town on February 28.

Last week, a Disciplinary Panel of the Football Association of Wales met to consider charges issued against Aberystwyth Town, The New Saints and Harrison following the final, which TNS won 1-0.

Aberystwyth Town were charged for the Disciplinary Offence as set out under FAW Rule 38.1.13 for the alleged failure of its players to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion or fail to refrain from violence, threatening, abusive, obscene or provocative behaviour, conduct or language.

The New Saints were charged for the Disciplinary Offence as set out under FAW Rule 38.1.13 for the alleged failure of its players and manager to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion or fail to refrain from violence, threatening, abusive, obscene or provocative behaviour, conduct or language.

TNS manager Harrison was charged for the Disciplinary Offence as set out under FAW Rule 38.1.9 for alleged improper conduct, including abusive language and aggressive conduct.

All three charges were admitted. The Panel imposed the following sanctions:

Aberystwyth Town – fined £600.00.
The New Saints – fined £750.00.
Craig Harrison – three-match suspension. However, two of those matches shall be suspended until the end of the 2025/26 season.

As such, Harrison shall serve a one-match suspension as and from 26 April 2025 and until The New Saints Football Club have completed one match in either league or cup competitions. Harrison shall also be fined £150.00.

Aberystwyth Town, The New Saints or Craig Harrison may request for the matter to be referred to an Appeals Panel of the Football Association of Wales.

Written notice of such a course of action must state the grounds of appeal and be submitted to FAW no later than 5pm on Wednesday 23 April.