Barnsley Football Club Supporters’ Trust has launched a passionate attack against the ‘disrespectful’ decision to scrap FA Cup replays.
The change was announced yesterday and has prompted an angry response by clubs and fans.
The trust said: “Barnsley Football Club Supporters’ Trust was bitterly disappointed with yesterday’s announcement that FA Cup replays will be scrapped from the first round onwards.
“We find this decision to be disrespectful to the history of the FA Cup and what it means to football clubs and supporters throughout the football pyramid, and would urge the FA, the Premier League, and all relevant parties to reverse the decision for the greater good of the game.
“This isn’t just about what it means to Barnsley Football Club, but the game of football as a whole and the memories, experiences and opportunities the magic of the FA Cup delivers every single year. “Our own supporters will remember our 4th round replay at White Hart Lane against Enfield, in front of 35,000 fans in 1981, or Scott Jones going down in history with his two goals in our 3-2 replay win over Manchester United at Oakwell in 1998 – something we wouldn’t experience today because we’ve already lost replays from the fifth round onwards.
“Lincoln City’s 2017 run to the quarter-finals benefitted from replays. In 1972, Hereford beat Newcastle 2-1 in a replay to go down in English history as the lowest-ranked non-league side to beat top-flight opposition. Non-league Blyth Spartans hosted a fifth-round replay against Wrexham at St. James Park in 1978, in front of over 40,000 supporters, after a run from the first-qualifying round.
“This proves the magic of the FA Cup is real, but we lose more and more of that magic every year through decisions made by the few, to the detriment of our beloved game. It shouldn’t be this way.
“We’re continuing to speak with Barnsley FC, the EFL, the FSA, local MPs and fellow Supporters’ Trusts, to ensure the unanimous voice of the supporter, and the football pyramid as a whole, is heard.”
