ACCRINGTON Stanley could be thrown out of this season’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy after fielding a suspended player in the competition.

Stanley and their summer signing Ray Putterill were charged by the FA after the midfielder appeared in the first round victory over Tranmere Rovers on August 31 while serving a 42-day ban handed by the Liverpool County FA.

He was given the suspension, which was effective from August 30, for “improper or insulting behaviour towards a match referee” during a match in April 2010 while playing for Halewood Town of the Liverpool County Premier League.

Putterill scored in normal time during the JP Trophy tie at Prenton Park, which finished 1-1 after 90 minutes before the Reds progressed on a penalty shoot-out, handing John Coleman’s side a second round tie at home to Stockport County on Tuesday, October 5.

However, Stanley’s future participation in the competition is now in doubt in wake of these charges, which the club and player must respond to by September 13.

If guilty of the charges, both Stanley and former Liverpool youngster Putterill face financial punishment from the FA, while the club’s JP Trophy fate for breaching competition rules will be determined by the Football League.

“It took us by surprise,” said Stanley chief executive Rob Heys.

“As far as we were concerned, Ray’s last club before joining us was Liverpool.

“From our point of view, our secretary has done everything that she could have.

John Nagle, the Football League’s head of communcations, said: “Due process has to take place.

"The Football League will act accordingly once the FA’s procedure has been concluded.”