Rotherham have a serious fight on their hands to avoid relegation from the Championship after they were deducted three points for fielding an ineligible player. The Millers fielded Derby defender Farrend Rawson in their 1-0 win against Brighton on Easter Monday after his youth loan had expired. The Football League maintain the paperwork for his extension wasn’t handled properly. They have until May 1 to appeal the decision and, should they choose to, that could have ramifications with an ultimate decision likely to be taken after the season has finished. Rotherham manager Steve Evans has seen his side deducted three points by the Football League . On-loan Derby defender Farrend Rawson (third right) played in the 1-0 win over Brighton on Easter Monday . Rawson (right, pictured playing for Derby's Under 21 side) wore the Rotherham shirt four times . Rotherham were on 44 points (left) but are now just one point above the relegation zone after the deduction . A Football League statement read: 'Rotherham were also fined the sum of £30,000, half of which will be suspended until the end of the 2015-16 season. The club must also pay the costs of the hearing and the Football League.' The Football League set a precedent for penalties this time last year after slapping AFC Wimbledon with a three-point deduction and £5,000 fine after playing Jake Nicholson when he wasn’t registered correctly. Blackpool were fined £30,000 earlier this season after starting on-loan Donervon Daniels once his 28-day youth loan had expired but escaped the loss of points because they lost at Millwall on August 30. Top QC Jim Sturman unsuccessfully defended Rotherham, who will feel the full force of financial relegations should they are to drop into League One. The punishment means they are now only one point ahead of the Championship relegation zone with two games left. Rotherham drew 1-1 with Fulham last Wednesday, which left them four points above the relegation zone . Rotherham’s scenario has set-up a tantalising end to the campaign, bringing two teams who appeared doomed back into play. Wigan lie on 39 points, Millwall 40 and Rotherham 41 before this Saturday’s fixtures. Steve Evans’ side have a tough trip to Norwich, while Millwall host Derby and Wigan play Wolves at the DW Stadium. All three opponents still have things to play for in the final two weeks of the season. Derby can secure a play-off place on Saturday, with Norwich still gunning for automatic promotion and Wolves retaining an outside chance of a top-six berth.
The Millers fielded on-loan Farrend Rawson in 1-0 win against Brighton .
Derby defender's youth loan extension wasn't handled correctly .
Rotherham now just one point ahead of the Championship bottom three .