Did you know about it? Little-known rule forces game to be replayed 😳 | OneFootball

In a highly unusual turn of events, an FA Vase first-round tie between Wythenshawe and Holker Old Boys is set to be replayed due to a little-known rule being incorrectly applied during the penalty shootout.

The original match ended 2-2 after normal time, with Holker Old Boys winning 4-3 on penalties.

However, the Football Association has now ruled that the result cannot stand, following a mistake by the referee during the shootout process.

The controversy stems from Wythenshawe finishing the match with 10 men after Will Calligan was shown a red card. Under the rules of the game, when one team has fewer players going into a penalty shootout, the opposing team must nominate a player to sit out the shootout entirely.

Holker Old Boys did nominate a player: their goalkeeper. The referee accepted the decision and allowed him to take part in the shootout — just not to take a penalty.

But according to the official Laws of the Game, once a player is nominated to be excluded from the shootout, they cannot participate in any way including as a goalkeeper.

This technical breach has led the FA to order a full replay of the match, despite Holker initially progressing. The decision has frustrated the Cumbrian club, who play in the 10th tier, one league below Wythenshawe.

In a statement, Holker said they were “deeply disappointed” by the ruling, which they claim is the result of an “error made by an FA-appointed and qualified referee.” The club insists it acted in full accordance with the referee’s instructions at the time.

The match will now be replayed this weekend.

Is that too harsh? Let us know your thoughts!

📸 Catherine Ivill - 2021 Getty Images