Charlton thrown lifeline

<< Bent: allegedly influenced by third party.

In the wake of the Carlos Tevez affair, shell-shocked Charlton Athletic were last night thrown a lifeline, when it emerged they were seeking an unprecedented 'points addition' after claiming they had inadvertently fielded an 'eligible player, whilst influenced by a third party.'

The player concerned is believed to be Marcus Bent, and the claim alleges he was selected against Spurs despite unknowingly being 'unfit for purpose' due to the after-affects of the supposed party.

"Had we been aware of the influence of a third party," confirmed Addicks boss Alan Pardew, "...Bent would not have been selected. The legitimacy of the Premiership has been threatened, and we demand an addition of points or at the very least, a replay."

Bent is believed to have attended the 'third party' in the company of wannabee WAG, Danielle Lloyd having already spent the evening boozing at two London hotspots. "We tried to persuade Marcus not to go onto a third place," remarked one onlooker, "...but he insisted it was his only chance of scoring again this season."