Points deduction would be rough justice for Warnock

When Neil Warnock's Sheffield United were relegated from the Premier League in 2007, there was a great feeling of injustice.

West Ham had survived largely due to the impact of Carlos Tevez, the man they signed despite being part owned by an investment company.

The Blades, particularly manager Warnock, felt West Ham should have been given a points deduction for the breach of rules, but they were fined £5.5m.

How ironic then that the marmite man of football now finds himself in the exact situation the Hammers were in, with the side he now manages, QPR, facing a potential points penalty over their signing of Alejandro Faurlin in 2009.

He claimed at the time Sheffield United were relegated that it was an "injustice" there was no points penalty for West Ham and also felt aggrieved that Tevez was allowed to continue playing for them.

Now, Rangers are accused of entering an agreement with a third party over Faurlin's economic rights and failing to notify the FA about this, while also using an unauthorised agent to deal with the transfer. It has also been alleged they submitted false documents when he signed a new deal last year. They are facing seven charges.

Although not as high-profile as the Tevez affair, the similarities here are striking.

West Ham escaped a points deduction in 2007, but QPR might not be so lucky.

The FA introduced new regulations in 2009 regarding third-party ownership, and are expected to take a dim view of the club's actions.

Luton Town were deducted 30 points in 2008, 10 of which were due to their dealings with agents and third-parties.

If QPR were to be deducted 10 points, it would push them right back into the pack in the Championship.

The club will deny all charges but, as they say, there is no smoke without fire.

Warnock and co urged the authorities to crack down on such issues four years ago, and may now pay for their protests.

He will claim that a fine would be enough, considering that is the punishment which was given to West Ham.

It would be tough on Rangers, and particularly him, to suffer a points deduction, but it seems invevitable the FA will take that course of action.

They have worked tirelessly all season to build up a lead at the top of the table, but all that work could be set to be undone.