GATESHEAD have been kicked out of the National League.

After a troubled and disastrous period under the control of Ranjan Varghese, it seemed the future of the club was about to become more settled with supporters taking control.

But league officials have taken the hardest possible stance and dealt a firm statement in the direction of the controversial owner, who is based in Hong Kong and who has left the club saddled with debt, without a home and without any players.

Manager Ben Clark and his assistant Ian Watson were dumped at the end of the season, with all the squad out of contract.

After being kicked out of the International Stadium by  Gateshead Council over unpaid debts, now the league have issued a statement, with nine points deduced from their points total at the end of this season. The club is able to appeal the punishments.

The statement read: “The club was charged with multiple breaches of the League’s membership rules, and was subject to a review of its financial position and an assessment of its club licence.

“Gateshead FC has been found guilty of failing to obtain security of tenure over its ground, defaulting on football creditors, and breaching League rules concerning financial reporting and permitted loans.

“The club has had 9 points deducted from its playing record for the 2018/19 season and been fined £3,500.

“The National League table has been amended accordingly.

“Furthermore, the club has been suspended from the competition and the League has refused the club a licence for the 2019/20 season.’’