FA Cup match to be replayed after referee error as membership launch ‘deeply upset’ assertion
The Second Qualifying round match was the subject of a protest to the FA due to a ‘technical error’ by the referee
The FA Cup Second Qualifying Round clash between Mulbarton Wanderers and Woodford Town will be replayed next week. (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire.)
Non-League side Mulbarton Wanderers have been left “deeply upset” after the FA ordered them to replay their FA Cup clash against Woodford Town. The eighth-tier side won the game 2-1, but a replay has been ordered due to a refereeing error.
Following the defeat, Woodford lodged an appeal with the FA after they had a first-half penalty, which they scored, chalked off for encroachment. Instead of the penalty kick being re-taken or awarded as a goal, as per the rules, the referee instead awarded a free-kick to Mulbarton.
The appeal was referred to a sub-committee, which ruled that the match should be replayed. The game will take place again next Tuesday with the winners hosting Glouster City in the third qualifying round.
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Responding to the decision on social media, Mulbarton said in a statement: “Following the conclusion of our FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round fixture versus Woodford Town on Saturday 19th September, A protest was lodged with the FA by Woodford Town regarding a decision made by the referee during the 30th minute of the match.
“The referee awarded Woodford a penalty kick, which was scored. The referee then blew his whistle and awarded Mulbarton Wanderers an indirect free-kick due to the encroachment of a number of Woodford players into the penalty area.
“This was an incorrect application of the competition rules under Law 14. In these circumstances, the referee should have allowed the goal to stand or ordered a retake.
“In response to Woodford’s protest, the FA initially stated that a protest for misapplication of the rules in this regard was not permissible.
“We concur with the FA’s initial findings. However, following further objection and protest from Woodford, the FA referred the matter to a sub-committee of the Professional Game Board.
“After seeking legal advice ahead of the meeting of the sub-committee, the club made robust representations to the FA setting out why the result should stand.
“Following the meeting of the sub-committee, we have been informed that it has been ordered that the second qualifying round fixture is to be replayed at the Abode Arena on Tuesday, September 29.
“The club is deeply upset and disappointed by this decision, the impact that it will have upon our football club, and the potential wider implications regarding the finality of results for any FA Cup match in the future played by any team and the integrity of the game as a whole.
“The decision made by the sub-committee is final and binding, and there is no right of appeal.”
In their own statement, Woodford, who are one tier below their opponents, said: “The club raised concerns regarding the application of Law 14 after a penalty awarded to Woodford was scored but subsequently disallowed, with an indirect free-kick awarded to the opposition for encroachment.
“The matter was subsequently reviewed by an FA sub-committee, with correspondence and video footage from Woodford Town, information from Mulbarton Wanderers, observations from the match officials and comments from the FA Referees Team and Head of Refereeing all considered.
“The sub-committee concluded that a technical error had been made by the referee, determining that the correct outcome under Law 14 should have been either the awarding of the goal or the ordering of a penalty retake.
“Woodford Town FC would like to thank the FA for its thorough consideration of the matter, and for reaching a decision that ensures the tie can be concluded in accordance with FA Cup rules.”
