Mulbarton Wanderers have been informed that they must replay their FA Cup second qualifying round fixture against Woodford Town following a ruling that a referee committed a technical error during the original match.
The eighth-tier Norfolk side claimed a 2-1 victory over the Essex Senior League club on Saturday, but the result has been overturned after Woodford lodged a protest with the Football Association.
The controversy centered on a 30th-minute incident in which Woodford was awarded a penalty kick. The referee disallowed the goal due to encroachment by several Woodford players and instead awarded an indirect free-kick to Mulbarton.
Under Law 14 of the laws of the game, the correct procedure in such a scenario is to order the penalty to be retaken. Although the FA initially stated that protests regarding the misapplication of rules were not permissible, a sub-committee later reviewed the matter and concluded that a technical error had occurred.
The decision orders a replay, which will take place on Tuesday, 29 September, with Mulbarton hosting the game. The tie is expected to be decided on the night.
Mulbarton, who compete in the Isthmian League North, acknowledged the decision as final and binding with no right of appeal. The club expressed deep disappointment, stating it was upset by the impact on the football club and concerned about the wider implications for the finality of results and the integrity of the FA Cup.
Woodford Town, playing at the ninth tier, thanked the FA for its thorough consideration and noted that the decision ensures the tie is concluded in accordance with competition rules.
The winner of this replayed fixture will face Gloucester City, a seventh-tier Southern League Premier Division South side, in the third qualifying round on Saturday, 3 October. Gloucester City had originally understood they would be visiting Mulbarton and acknowledged the frustration this would cause supporters who had already made arrangements for the fixture.
This incident marks only the second time in recent history that an English football match has been ordered to be replayed due to a referee’s error. A non-league fixture in 2006 is believed to be the first instance, also involving a failed penalty that should have been retaken. Additionally, an FA Vase tie was replayed last season following a refereeing error during a penalty shootout.
Huge headache for Mulbarton and their fans. Getting whacked with a midweek replay right when everyone expected a cup run to continue is brutal.
I never realized referees could be overturned for technical errors like this. Quite surprising to see the FA change their stance after initial refusal.