FA orders FA Cup tie to be replayed after refereeing error

The Football Association (FA) has ruled that the second‑round qualifying match of the FA Cup between Woodford Town and Mulbarton Wanderers will be replayed after the referee applied Law 14. The decision was taken following the controversy in the 30th minute and the fixture has been rescheduled for Tuesday 29 September at 19:45.

Refereeing error under Law 14

In the 30th minute the referee pointed to a penalty in favour of Woodford Town and Ollie Sotoyinbo converted the spot‑kick. However, the goal was disallowed because several local players had entered the area, and the referee awarded an indirect free kick to Mulbarton Wanderers. Journalist Fernando Gabarró reported the controversy at the time.

A sub‑committee of the FA reviewed the decision and concluded that it was incorrect: in that situation the referee could only either validate the goal or order a retake of the penalty. By not having applied either option, the authority determined that the result should be nullified.

Result nullified and new date

Mulbarton Wanderers had won 2‑1, but the result was nullified and the match must be played in full again. The FA set the new fixture for Tuesday 29 September at 19:45, with extra time and penalties if necessary.

The match continued and Woodford Town went ahead in the 42nd minute, again through a goal from Ollie Sotoyinbo. After the break, Mulbarton Wanderers equalised with Owen Lane in the 67th minute and with Nathan Stone in the 97th minute, completing the 2‑1 that seemed definitive.

Mulbarton Wanderers said they were “deeply upset and disappointed” by the ruling, fearing that the case will set a precedent that affects the validity of future results and the integrity of football.

The winner of the new tie will face Gloucester on 3 October, according to the schedule set by the FA.

This decision underscores the strict enforcement of the competition’s rules and requires both clubs to prepare for a new encounter under extra‑time conditions and a possible penalty shoot‑out.