FA Cup Upset: Barnsley Expelled For Fielding Ineligible Player Against Horsham

Barnsley’s journey in the 2023/24 FA Cup comes to an abrupt halt as the club faces expulsion from the tournament for fielding an ineligible player during their first-round replay against Horsham. The Tykes’ 3-0 victory over Horsham has been overturned, paving the way for Horsham’s unexpected entry into the competition’s second round.

In a regrettable turn of events, Barnsley’s FA Cup dreams have been dashed after the Football Association revealed the club’s breach of regulations by fielding an ineligible player during their successful replay against Horsham. The original fixture ended in a 3-3 draw at Barnsley’s home ground, leading to a replay where the League One outfit secured a 3-0 victory.

The FA’s ruling mandates that only players eligible for the initial tie can participate in a replay under Rule 103 of the FA Cup regulations. Barnsley, acknowledging the error, expressed deep remorse through an official statement on their website.

While the player’s identity remains undisclosed, Barnsley retains the option to appeal the FA’s decision. However, the FA’s statement emphasized the club’s acknowledgement of the breach, leaving Barnsley’s immediate participation in the tournament in jeopardy.

As Barnsley faces the repercussions, Horsham, an Isthmian League representative, celebrates an unexpected opportunity. The club is now slated to face League Two side Sutton United in the second round, marking only the second time in their history that Horsham will feature at this stage of the FA Cup.

In response, Horsham’s chairman, Kevin Borrett, conveyed understanding towards Barnsley’s plight, expressing well-wishes for their future endeavours. “We empathize with Barnsley FC and their supporters in this difficult moment,” Borrett stated.

The unforeseen events add a dramatic chapter to the FA Cup narrative, illustrating the importance of adherence to tournament regulations and the unpredictable twists of football’s competitive landscape.