Bolton Wanderers make history as Championship game forfeited and Brentford given 1-0 win

The move from English Football League comes after original game had been postponed as Bolton players on strike over lack of pay

Bolton Wanderers players have not been paid in either March or April by the club's management. Action Images

In a historic step in English football Brentford have announced their away fixture against Bolton will not be played and that they have been awarded three points.

The match, originally scheduled for last Saturday, was postponed as unpaid Bolton players went on strike, and then rearranged for next Tuesday.

But Brentford tweeted on Friday: "Our game against @OfficialBWFC will not be played and we have been awarded the three points on the basis of a 1-0 victory."

It is believed to be the first time in the history of league football in England that a game has been forfeited and one side has been given the three points.

A statement from the EFL on its website said: "Following the decision taken by Bolton Wanderers' Safety Advisory Group (SAG) to issue a Prohibition Notice preventing Tuesday's rearranged Championship fixture with Brentford from taking place, the EFL will not be asking that the game is played at a future date.

"There is no provision under EFL Regulations to direct clubs to play at a later date than four days past the conclusion of the season and, as a result, it has been determined that Brentford will be awarded the three points on the basis of a 1-0 victory.

"As a consequence, Bolton Wanderers is now deemed to be guilty of misconduct by the EFL which will result in disciplinary proceedings against the club being taken at an appropriate time.

"The decision to award the victory to Brentford is taken under Regulation 33.2 and is independent of the proceedings referred to above."