Horsham back in FA Cup after Barnsley booted out for fielding ineligible player

Horsham have been reinstated into the FA Cup following Barnsley’s removal for fielding an ineligible player.

The League One side say they have accepted the FA’s decision for the rule breach in last week’s 3-0 first round proper replay win against the Isthmian Premier Hornets.

Dom Di Paola’s side, who held the Tykes to a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first game, will now travel to Sutton United on Saturday, December 2.

Horsham chairman Kevin Borrett said: “The Barnsley Chairman Neerav Parekh contacted me on Friday 17th November to make the club aware of the administrative error and FA consideration of the matter.

“I understand the immense disappointment that this decision by the FA would be to both Barnsley Football Club and its supporters. On behalf of HFC, I wish Barnsley FC every success in their pursuit of promotion back to the EFL Championship at the end of the 2023/24 season.”

An FA Statement confirmed: “A Professional Game Board Sub-Committee has removed Barnsley from the 2023/24 Emirates FA Cup for fielding an ineligible player during their First Round Proper Replay against Horsham on Tuesday 14 November 2023.

“The FA alleged that the player was ineligible for this Replay, as he was not correctly registered and eligible for the original First Round Proper match on Friday 3 November 2023, which constitutes a breach of FA Cup Rule 103.

“Barnsley admitted this charge and acknowledged that the breach had occurred. The Sub-Committee’s members ordered that Barnsley be removed from the competition, and that Horsham be awarded the tie and progression to the Second Round Proper.

“Subject to any appeal by Barnsley, Horsham will now play away to Sutton United in the Second Round Proper on Saturday 2 December 2023.”

Barnsley said: “We would like to apologise to our fans, players and staff for this regrettable error.

“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.”