Blackpool’s “bitter disappointment” with the outcome of their FA Cup second round postponement has been conveyed.
The FA inquiry into the Gloucestershire club led to the cancellation of the match the night before, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday afternoon at Bloomfield Road against Forest Green Rovers.
This concerned their first-round matchup with Scarborough Athletic, where David Horseman’s team acknowledged using an ineligible player.
It has been announced that, as a result of the investigation, Forest Green will now play the non-league team again on December 12, with the winner playing Blackpool the following week on December 19.
The club is disappointed with the result as Neil Critchley’s team will now have five games in 14 days over the Christmas break. Blackpool Football Club acknowledges the outcome of The FA’s investigation concerning Forest Green Rovers,” the Seasiders said in a statement. The decision to move our second round match to December 19 and the possible effects this may have on the first team’s schedule over the Christmas break, however, deeply disappoints the club.
The FA’s recent handling of these events has been extremely disappointing, and now the squad may have to play five matches in just 14 days. Despite this, the club fully understands the need for sporting integrity within one of the oldest and most prestigious cup competitions in world football.
The club has quietly voiced its concerns to The FA, and it will be following up in the next days to find a workable alternative that doesn’t significantly disrupt the first team schedule during what is already a jam-packed fortnight of matches during the holiday season.
Whoever emerges victorious from the FA Cup second round will face Premier League team Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
