Premier League boss calls for FA Cup replays to be axed after 7 teams lose break
Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has claimed Premier League teams are “suffering” because of FA Cup replays.
The Midlands side looked to be going out of the competition to League One side Blackpool after going 2-0 down. Goals from Nicolas Dominguez and Morgan Gibbs-White hauled them level and despite looking most likely for a winning goal, they were unable to find one.
Forest now face a replay against Blackpool - with that game set to take place on the week commencing 15 January. The Reds were meant to be out of action that week as part of the a winter break.
Espirito Santo has now taken aim at the fact that there will be replay. Speaking in his post-match press conference, the Portuguese said: “It is a reality. Everybody is aware there is a big congestion of games and fixtures are every day. It is something they have to look at.
“If you ask me, I think it should be finished on the day - extra-time, penalties and whatever. Allow the players to have a little bit more time to recover. Premier League teams are suffering with that. You know the issues with injuries, and one of the things is the amount of fixtures we are exposed to.”
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The Forest boss’ wish could soon become a reality with the FA set to axe replays in both the third and fourth round next season. The decision does not look likely to go down well with Blackpool boss Neil Critchley.
Nuno Espirito Santo has called for FA Cup replays to be scrapped (Getty Images)Should FA Cup replays be scrapped? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Responding to Espirito Santo’s thoughts, he replied: “Tough. This was our 35th game of the season. Premier League clubs get international breaks and time off in other parts of the season. We don’t. Replays are part of the magic.
“I remember way back when there were second, third and fourth replays. Brilliant. Look at what clubs have in terms of finances, facilities and staffing. Get on with it! It’s football, so let’s play.
“Ideally nobody wants a replay — I am sure Forest don’t — but we are competitive animals. These moments don’t last long and you don’t get many chances to create memories. There is something magical about this competition. Why not create a happy memory for ourselves that we can have for ever?”
Forest are not the only Premier League side to face a replay as they attempt to reach the fourth round. Luton, Wolves, Brentford, West Ham, Everton and Crystal Palace will all tackle replays in mid-January.
It has been suggested that some top-flight teams and stars have been forced to cancel luxury getaways due to their upcoming cup commitments.
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