Barnsley apologise to fans after being thrown out of FA Cup

The Tykes have been forced out for fielding an ineligible player in their first-round replay win at non-league Horsham.

Horsham - who play in the Isthmian League Premier Division - will now meet League Two Sutton United in the second round.

Barnsley said in a statement: "Today the FA has advised us that we will no longer be able to participate in the FA Cup this season.

"An administrative error was brought to our attention regarding the eligibility of a player who played in last Tuesday's game with Horsham FC.

"The club has fully cooperated with the investigation and has accepted the FA's decision. We have been in contact with Horsham FC and would like to thank the club and Chairman for their understanding and cooperation throughout this process.

"We would like to apologise to our fans, players and staff for this regrettable error.

"This mistake - although unintentional - falls way below the high standards we set at this club and is simply not what you deserve.

"We have already conducted a full internal investigation and have subsequently put safeguards in place to ensure this will never happen again."