NEIL Middleditch is hoping for a “common sense” verdict when Darcy Ward appears before the FIM International Disciplinary Court tomorrow morning.

Poole Pirates asset Ward has been indefinitely suspended from all speedway since he failed an alcohol test at the Latvian Grand Prix in August.

Recent reports questioned the legitimacy of the test that had been conducted.

Pirates team manager Middleditch said: “It’s a case of keeping our fingers crossed and hoping that common sense prevails.

“Darcy has been in limbo since August and has been punished already. I think maybe a suspended sentence might be the thing for him.

“The main thing is whether the tests were done correctly. Was protocol followed to the letter of the law? If not, he has got a very good case for compensation.”

Aussie Ward remains an option for Pirates’ 2015 line-up but is one of a number of non-European Union riders that could fall foul of tightened border regulations.

Reports last week suggested that non-EU riders would be refused entry into the UK and existing visas would be revoked ahead of the new campaign.

It is thought that British speedway’s doubling-up and guesting rules are not compliant with the rules of the UK Border Agency (UKBA).

British Speedway Promoters’ Association bosses met with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) officials in an effort to smooth matters over.

The situation affects potential target Ward and Grand Prix star Chris Holder, who has already been recruited for Poole’s upcoming title defence.

However, fellow Aussies Dakota North and Davey Watt, also signed up at Wimborne Road, are unaffected.

Polish ace Maciej Janowski, who won the Elite League with Pirates last year, is one of a number of riders who could fill in.