Barnsley has been disqualified from the FA Cup due to playing an ineligible player during their 3-0 victory against Horsham in the first-round replay on November 14th. As a result, their opponent from the seventh tier will take their place in the second round and face League Two’s Sutton United.
The player who was not qualified to play has not been identified, but it is believed to be Aiden Marsh. During the first match between Barnsley and Horsham, which ended in a 3-3 draw, Marsh was on loan at York. However, he was subsequently brought back and played in the match against Horsham. Only players who were eligible for the initial match are allowed to participate in a replay.
Barnsley is the first team to be disqualified from the official competition since Bury in December 2006. This came to light after Bury defeated Chester City 3-1 in a replay match and it was discovered that Stephen Turnbull was not eligible to play. Despite an appeal from Bury, the decision stands and Barnsley will not be disputing it.
The Barnsley club released a statement stating that an error had been discovered regarding a player’s eligibility in the game against Horsham FC last Tuesday. The club has worked with the investigation and has agreed with the decision made by the FA. We have also communicated with Horsham FC and express our gratitude to the club and chairman for their cooperation and understanding during this matter.
We want to say sorry to our supporters, athletes, and employees for this unfortunate mistake. It was not our intention, but it does not meet the high standards we have at this organization and is not what you deserve. We have completed a thorough internal investigation and have now implemented measures to prevent this from occurring in the future.
“I was informed by Barnsley’s chairman Neerav Parekh on Friday about the administrative mistake and the FA’s review of the situation,” stated Kevin Borrett, chairman of Horsham. He expressed sympathy for the disappointment this may bring to both Barnsley and their fans. On behalf of HFC, I extend good wishes to Barnsley in their efforts to return to the Championship.”
On December 2nd, Horsham, ranked ninth in the Isthmian League Premier, will face Sutton. The FA Cup has a rich history of disqualifications, dating back to the 1879-80 season when Sheffield was eliminated for refusing to play extra time after a 2-2 draw in the fourth round.
Source: theguardian.com
