Referee error forces Mulbarton Wanderers replay in FA Cup

Mulbarton Wanderers will have to replay their FA Cup qualifying tie after a refereeing mistake was deemed a technical error, the Football Association announced. The replay is scheduled for Tuesday 29 September at Mulberry Park, meaning the club’s original 2-1 victory is nullified.

The Norfolk‑based side had claimed a 2-1 win at Woodford Town last weekend to secure a place in the third round of the FA Cup qualifiers. The result had put Mulbarton, who compete in the Isthmian League North, on course to host Gloucester City in the next round.

Referee error triggers replay

In the 30th minute Woodford Town’s penalty was disallowed after the referee judged encroachment by several Woodford players. The official then awarded Mulbarton an indirect free‑kick, although Law 14 requires the penalty either to be retaken or the goal to stand. The Woods scored the disputed penalty before it was ruled out.

A Getty photograph captured the moment the decision was made, highlighting the controversy surrounding the call.

FA orders FA Cup tie to be replayed after refereeing error

Historical precedent and future implications

The FA sub‑committee concluded that the referee’s application of the laws was incorrect and ordered a full replay, the first such FA Cup decision caused by a referee error. A similar non‑league replay occurred in 2006 when a penalty should have been retaken, and an FA Vase tie was also replayed last season after a shoot‑out mistake.

Mulbarton issued a statement on Thursday night expressing that 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 club added that the decision is “final and binding, and there is no right of appeal,” and promised to contact supporters who have already bought tickets.

Woodford Town thanked the FA for its “thorough consideration of the matter, and for reaching a decision that ensures the tie can be concluded in accordance with FA Cup rules.” The winners of the replay will host Gloucester City of the Southern League Premier Division South on Saturday 3 October.