SOMERSET'S status as a Division One club remains unconfirmed after Middlesex formally lodged an appeal against a two point deduction.

The penalty came as a result of their slow over rate against Surrey at The Oval in August during a match which ended prematurely due to an arrow being fired on to the outfield.

Middlesex ended the season in the second relegation spot just one point behind Somerset, so a successful appeal could have serious repercussions at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

An ECB spokesman told the County Gazette: "We can confirm Middlesex CCC have appealed against the recent two point penalty imposed for a slow-over rate during their Specsavers County Championship match against Surrey.

"We have referred the club’s appeal to the Chairman of the Cricket Discipline Commission who is currently considering his response.

"A decision may be made at some point next week but there is no further update on that or anything else at this stage."

When the original deduction was handed out, Middlesex chief executive Richard Goatley said: “We have been advised that since the ECB has chosen to follow the published playing conditions in this instance, there is no scope for any further appeal.”

Their position changed the day after their defeat to Somerset, when cricketing director Angus Fraser announced his intention to take the matter further - now, nearly a fortnight on, they have officially done so.

The decision means that, almost two weeks to the day since the season ended, supporters still do not know which teams will be relegated to Division Two.