Barnsley have been kicked out of the FA Cup for fielding an ineligible player in their first-round replay win at non-league Horsham.The seventh-tier side will now play League Two Sutton United in round two.
The League One Tykes had won the replay 3-0 last week after drawing 3-3 in the initial tie at Oakwell.”We would like to apologise to our fans, players and staff for this regrettable error,” they said in a statement on the club website.”This mistake – although unintentional – falls way below the high standards we set at this club and is simply not what you deserve.”
We have already conducted a full internal investigation and have subsequently put safeguards in place to ensure this will never happen again.”Although the third tier club have not named the player, Football Association rules state only players who are eligible for the initial tie can feature in any replay in the FA Cup.
Forward Aiden Marsh was on loan at National League side York City when the first game took place on 3 November, before being recalled and then starting in the replay at Horsham on 14 November.
The ruling means Isthmian League Premier Division side Horsham will now play in the second round of the FA Cup for the second time in their history.”I understand the immense disappointment that this decision by the FA would be to both Barnsley Football Club and its supporters,” chairman Kevin Borrett told the club website.
“On behalf of HFC, I wish Barnsley FC every success in their pursuit of promotion back to the Championship at the end of the 2023-24 season.”
