Mulbarton told to replay FA Cup 'win' after referee mistake

Wanderers were 2-1 winners away to Woodford Town in a second round qualifying game last weekend – taking them further in the competition than ever before.

However, their hosts lodged a protest over a decision made by the referee during the 30th minute.

The referee awarded Woodford a penalty, from which they scored. But 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. The official should have allowed the goal to stand or ordered a retake.

Mulbarton went on to score twice in the second half to win 2-1 and two days later were drawn at home to Gloucester City in the third qualifying round a game that is now in jeopardy.

In a statement on social media, Mulbarton said: “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.

“Today, 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.”