FA investigating sixth substitute in Exeter’s FA Cup replay win vs Bradford City

Exeter made six substitutions in the tie

The Football Association is investigating whether Exeter City used too many substitutes during their extra-time FA Cup win over Bradford City on Tuesday night.

The Grecians won the game 3-0 in extra time, thanks to a brace from Matt Jay and a Nigel Atangana strike.

Matt Taylor's side changed five players during the goalless 90 minutes, also bringing on Josh Key for Sam Nombe at the start of extra time.

Under FA Cup rules this season, clubs are allowed to bring on five players during a game - including extra time - with a sixth allowed for a concussion.

"A review is due to take place following last night's FA Cup game between Exeter City and Bradford City at St James Park," Exeter City said in a statement.

"The matter will be considered by an FA committee and is in reference to the number of substitutions allowed during the match.

"Both clubs will be asked for their comments, along with the referee and fourth official. The matter will be referred to an FA committee who will decide on what course of action to take."

https://twitter.com/OfficialECFC/status/1460961810354483204

The FA's Professional Game Board are set to decide on any punishment, with playing an ineligible player possibly leading to a club to forfeiting a game

The rules also state "where the club satisfies the Professional Game Board that the club (or any of its officers) did not know and could not reasonably have known, even had it made every reasonable enquiry (with the exercise of the utmost caution), that the player was ineligible, the club shall not be removed from the competition but may still be subject to any other penalty (e.g. fine, ordered to replay the match)."

Following their triumph over Bradford, Exter are set to play away at Cambridge United on December 4 in the next round. However, it remains to be seen whether or not they will be allowed to play in the tie.

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