FA Cup issue was an admin error – Vince

FOREST Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince says it is “right” that Scarborough Athletic will receive the proceeds of an FA Cup replay after the Sky Bet League Two side were alleged to have fielded an ineligible player.

The Football Association charged the Gloucestershire outfit with a breach of the competition’s Rule 109 after a 5-2 first-round replay victory over their National League North opponents on November 14, and the sides have ultimately been ordered to play the tie again at Scarborough’s Flamingo Land Stadium on Tuesday.

Vince has now moved to clarify the situation, which he claims was the result of an “admin error”, and admitted it is correct that the Yorkshire club do not suffer financially as a result.

In a post on his X – formerly Twitter – account, the Forest Green chairman said: “When investigations take place and rulings get announced in football, fans are often left confused as to what actually went on – making them wonder what the hell is happening at their club.

“Our recent charge came about after we failed to tell the FA that we had permission from the player’s home club to be part of our FA Cup squad. They recognised we had approval for the player – but that we had not told them, which was our mistake.

“In the grand scheme of things this was an admin error, so we appreciate the FA’s acceptance of what happened and their judgement.

“The FA ruled that Scarborough will keep all the money from the gate for this replay, as is right – and we don’t get any travel or accommodation expenses (which are normal). Hopefully this means something good can come from this.”

The sides had initially played out a 1-1 draw on the North Yorkshire coast on November 4 before resuming hostilities at the Bolt New Lawn Stadium ten days later, where the hosts raced into a 4-0 lead before half-time.

A visit to League One club Blackpool awaits the victors, and Premier League side Nottingham Forest at the City Ground is the prize for a second-round win.

More immediately, Forest Green host Wrexham at the New Lawn this afternoon.

While Rovers are second-frombottom of the table with 15 points, the Welsh side are second with 37.