FA Cup tie to be completely replayed after wrong referee decision

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FT Desk

An FA Cup second qualifying round tie is set to be completely replayed after the FA admitted that the referee made a wrong decision.

Mulbarton beat Woodford 2-1 this past weekend, but the latter later determined that the referee made an error which completely swung the game in Mulbarton's favour.

30 minutes into the game, Woodford scored a penalty but the referee overturned the goal due to encroachment into the area by their players.

Now, wrong decisions and decisions that are based solely on the opinion of the referee or VAR in higher-profile leagues are commonplace, but on this occasion the official made an unlawful decision that goes against the rules of tha game.

Instead of ordering an indirect free-kick, the rules state that he should have given Woodford the opportunity to take the penalty again.

CLUB STATEMENT | FA order Emirates FA Cup fixture vs Mulbarton Wanderers to be replayed.

The Woods will travel to Mulbarton’s Abode Arena on Tuesday, 29 September, with kick off set for 19:45 BST. The tie will be decided on the night.

Our full statement can be read below. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Fs2lHEXKXR

— Woodford Town FC (@WoodfordTownFC) September 24, 2026

Mulbarton subsequently released a statment which said:

"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."

The game is set to be replayed on Tuesday, Sept. 29 - a decision that Mulbarton say they are "deeply unhappy" with.

"Today, following the meeting of the sub-committee, we have been informed that it has been ordered that the 2nd Qualifying Round fixture is to be replayed at the Abode Arena on Tuesday 29th September," the statement continued.

"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.

"We will be in touch with all fans who have already purchased tickets for the 3rd Round in due course."

Mulbarton Wanderers currently play in the Isthmian League North Division, while Woodford Town play in the Essex Senior League.