FANS slammed a “cruel” FA Cup rule change that saw non-league Tamworth denied a money-spinning replay at Tottenham.
Ange Postecoglou’s Premier League giants were taken to extra time by their hosts after the initial 90 minutes ended in a 0-0 draw.
Tamworth did their fans proud as they brilliantly kept a clean sheet in normal time while also recording 13 shots of their own.
But Spurs’ might and squad depth paid dividends later on when they took the lead through a 101st minute own-goal from Nathan Muya Tshikuna.
Dejan Kulusevksi then made it 2-0 six minutes later.
And Brennan Johnson sealed an emphatic 3-0 win for the visitors with a goal at the death.
However, many fans feel Tamworth were denied a proper reward for their efforts in the normal 90.
Old FA Cup rules meant a draw between sides in that time resulted in a replay.
Had those still applied today, it would have seen Tamworth travel to London for a money-spinning adventure at Spurs’ £1billion stadium – which holds 62,850 compared to their Lamb Ground at 4,000.
FA Cup replays were scrapped only in April last year following a scheduling agreement with the Premier League.
And taking to social media, fans blasted the “cruel” change that denied the Staffordshire side their time in the sun.
One said: “Tamworth grafted for a 0-0. A replay would see them right for five years, but because the big boys get tired, replays are scrapped.”
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”‘What a weekend he’s having’ say fans as Tamworth GK Jas Singh puts on stunning performance hours after birth of his son” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366991921112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”] [opta live=”true” side=”both” column_count=”1″ side_by_side=”true” show_match_header=”true” show_score=”true” show_halftime_score=”true” show_crests=”true” show_team_formation=”true” show_competition_name=”true” show_date=”true” date_format=”ddd D MMM” narrow_date_format=”DD/MM/YY” order_by=”position” group_by_position=”false” show_position=”true” show_images=”false” show_key=”false” show_starters=”true” show_goalkeepers=”true” show_defenders=”true” show_midfielders=”true” show_forwards=”true” show_subs=”true” show_unused_subs=”false” show_managers=”true” show_captain=”true” show_match_events=”true” competition_naming=”full” team_naming=”full” player_naming=”full” show_live=”true” show_logo=”false” show_title=”true” breakpoints=”400, 700″ sport=”football” opta_widget=”matchstats” opta_template=”lineups” opta_competition=”1″ opta_season=”2024″ opta_match_id=”2491523″ /]Another declared: “The FA and Premier League has taken away the glory of a replay for Tamworth, it would have meant so much footballing wise and financially.”
One noted: “Tamworth not getting a replay which would likely bank them £1m is all wrong.”
Another added: “Robbing the players of their small piece of fame and robbing the local clubs of ££.”
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