Barnsley were kicked out of the FA Cup after using an ineligible player in their first-round rematch against Horsham.
Horsham will now advance to the second round, where they will face League Two strugglers Sutton.
The Tykes won the rematch 3-0 after the first game ended 3-3 at Oakwell, but they have subsequently admitted to a “regrettable,” “unintentional” blunder that has seen them thrown out of this season’s competition by the Football Association.
“Today the FA informed us that we will no longer be able to participate in the FA Cup this season,” the team said in a statement.
Club Statement: FA Charge.
— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) November 22, 2023
“An administrative error regarding the eligibility of a player who played in last Tuesday’s game with Horsham FC was brought to our attention.”
“The club has cooperated fully with the investigation and accepts the FA’s decision.” We have contacted Horsham FC and would want to express our appreciation to the club and chairman for their patience and cooperation during this process.
“We sincerely apologize to our fans, players, and staff for this unfortunate error.”
“This error, while unintentional, falls far short of the high standards we set at this club and is simply not what you deserve.”
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
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) November 22, 2023
Forward Aiden Marsh was on loan at National League York for the first game on November 3, before being recalled by parent club Barnsley on November 6 and played 71 minutes in the replay on November 14.
“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 Football Association (FA) said in a statement.
“The FA claimed that the player was ineligible for this replay because he was not correctly registered and eligible for the original first-round proper match on Friday 3 November 2023, a violation of FA Cup rule 103.”
“Barnsley admitted to the charge and acknowledged the breach.” The members of the sub-committee ordered that Barnsley be expelled from the competition and that Horsham be granted the tie and advancement 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.”