Can they do this?

[Lameland69]

I've been with a company a number of years. I was told the other day that they will be advertising for a role above mine; they have not asked, nor do they seem willing to consider me for this role. Understandably, I'm not too happy about this.
I had an appraisal back in December, a very casual one with just my line manager present. I never received a copy of the document but presumed feedback had been given to the CEO- turns out it hadn't. With this new issue that has arisen, I asked for a copy of my last appraisal. I received it via email today as I'm at home, and it is less than glowing to say the least. I truly believe that it has been written or amended yesterday, so it appears they have every reason to not consider me for this new role. My words have been twisted to make me sound difficult and incompetent. I'm pretty sure I'm neither of these things, if I was they've had 10 months to let me know, instead I have carried on my job as normal with no complaints. Question is, can they do this? Does it matter that my appraisal doc was given to me yesterday, 10 months late? How would I prove (or her disprove) that the document was written yesterday? And twisted to make me look incompetent, when they haven't said a word to me about my performance in 10 months? The worry is making me feel sick. Thanks for reading.

[OliviaStabler]

Lameland69 please do think carefully before you battle against this. It sounds as if there is no way to win and it is mentally gruelling to fight once they have you in their sights.

Do think about finding another job. I have been where you are and it is awful. It isn't worth the effort, truly. Go and work somewhere where you are appreciated and valued.