Livingston face being thrown out of the Irn-Bru Cup after fielding a suspended player in their fourth round win last week against Crusaders.

The club have been charged for fielding Alan Lithgow for the full 90 minutes in their 2-1 win over the Northern Irish side despite the defender being ineligible.

He was banned for two games after being sent off against East Fife in late September for violent conduct. The punishment applied to all competitions.

Livingston are requested to attend a hearing on Monday, October 24.

The club were drawn to face Welsh side The New Saints in Monday's quarter-final draw. The match is due to take place on Sunday, November 13.

Last season, Dundee United were docked three points and fined £30,000, part of which was suspended, after fielding Ali Coote for 13 minutes against Inverness Caledonian Thistle and naming Jamie Robson on the bench.

Both players were ineligible to play for the Tannadice before the end of the 2015/16 season.

SPFL rules do not expressly allow for a team to be expelled from the competition but the result of a match can be annulled and there is provision for the board to impose any sanctions it sees fit.

Livingston chairman Robert Wilson said he was unaware of the SPFL action when contacted by STV.

Crusaders say they will await the outcome of the disciplinary hearing before making any comment.