Local MP Jesse Norman has come out strongly against the announcement by the Football Association that replays are to be forbidden from the first round of the FA Cup.

“It appears that this decision has been taken without any consultation with the clubs affected by it,”

Jesse said.

“As with the European Super League, this is another disastrous idea which ignores the needs of the wider fans and the football pyramid.

“The ESL was withdrawn after a public outcry, and this should go the same way.

“FA Cup replays are an important source of revenue for smaller clubs, and the chance of securing a replay means that a smaller club will always have a shot at playing at Old Trafford or Anfield, for example.

“With the Football Governance bill coming up in Parliament this month, I would hope this proposal could be kicked hard into the long grass by Parliament. Certainly it massively reinforces the case for the new regulator.

“In the meantime, I have written to Mark Bulingham, the FA's Chief Executive, and Lucy Frazer MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, to protest against this very ill-advised proposal.”

Photo: Jesse with Hereford player Alex Babos at Edgar Street