Bury docked three points after English football's first 21st century player Callum Styles was 'ineligible' to play

Styles 'was not registered in accordance with league regulations', say the English Football League

Bury's Gigg Lane stadium (Getty)

Sky Bet League One side Bury have been deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player.

Callum Styles played for the Shakers in their league game against Southend on May 8 despite not being registered. The 16-year-old became the first player born in the 21st century to make a senior appearance in the English professional game.

A statement on the English Football League website read: "A disciplinary commission has ruled that Bury are to be deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player, Callum Styles, in the Sky Bet League 1 fixture against Southend on Sunday, May 8, 2016.

"The club has accepted that Styles was not registered in accordance with league regulations and the points deduction will be applied retrospectively to Bury's 2015-16 season total.

"The final divisional table for League 1 will be adjusted with Bury dropping from 14th to 16th place."

Bury have responded to the decision on their website saying: "Callum Styles arrived at Bury FC at the beginning of March and signed 'trialists' papers with the club. Following a successful trial spell with the club, Callum signed as an academy player.

"However, the transfer deadline to register players with the Football League for the run into the end of the season was March 24.

"Bury FC went into the game with Southend United on May 8 believing that Callum was a registered Bury FC player and admit all charges set down on the club and accept the punishment of a three-point deduction as Callum completed his registration forms with the club after the deadline date of March 24.

"Callum Styles is registered with Bury Football Club and has joined the youth team scholarship programme for the next two seasons."

PA