Oxford United say they will study the exact details before deciding whether to appeal against their five-point deduction for playing an ineligible player at the start of this season.

At a meeting of the Football Conference Disciplinary Panel in Birmingham, United were fined £500 and docked five points for failing to register midfielder Eddie Hutchinson.

The U's collected 11 points in the period he was not registered, before the mistake was spotted.

United chairman Kelvin Thomas told the club's website: "We defended our case. However, the deicision was a fine of £500, with a further fine of £3,500 suspended until May 2010, and a five-point deduction.

"We are deeply disappointed with the penalty imposed and feel there are major issues surrounding the administrative procedures of the league which must be addressed.

"A decision to appeal will be made within the 14-day time frame allowed, once we have considered the full written reasons of the panel."

United drop from 11th to 14th place in the Blue Square Premier following the verdict.