FA Cup sensation: match to be replayed after serious refereeing error

The FA Cup second qualifying-round match between Mulbarton Wanderers and Woodford Town will have to be replayed. The Football Association has ordered a rematch after ruling that the referee made a technical error that affected the outcome of the game.

Mulbarton Wanderers, who compete in the eighth tier, won 2-1, but Woodford lodged an appeal after the final whistle. In the first half, the visitors were awarded a penalty and converted it, but the referee then disallowed the goal for an infringement during the spot-kick.

Instead of ordering the penalty to be retaken or awarding the goal, the referee gave a free-kick to Mulbarton. Woodford argued that the decision was contrary to Law 14. Following further objections, the case was referred to a special subcommittee of the Professional Game Board.

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After reviewing the documents, video footage and comments from the match officials, the subcommittee concluded that the referee had made a technical error. It was therefore decided that the match should be replayed in full.

The new game will take place on Tuesday, 29 September, at Abode Arena. The winner will face Gloucester City in the next round.