Alan Shearer slams FA for ‘dreadful’ communication over scrapping FA Cup replays as he offers solution to help lower-league sides

Alan Shearer has slammed the FA for their ‘dreadful communication’ over the decision to scrap FA Cup replays. 

English football is in uproar after the FA and Premier League struck a deal to scrap FA Cup replays due to the expansion of the European competitions from next season.

The change will take effect from next season and comes in light of calendar changes forced by UEFA expanding European competitions. 

Clubs down the football pyramid have expressed their frustration at the news and now Shearer has offered his own take on the matter.

During the BBC’s half-time coverage of Man City vs Chelsea, Shearer said: ‘I understand it from the side of the Premier League clubs, particularly the ones that are playing in Europe, and I absolutely understand it from the lower-league teams.

The change will take effect from next year and comes amid calendar changes forced by UEFA 

‘You’re in a really difficult situation because of the expansion of the UEFA dates. They’ve gone from six weeks to ten. 

‘And then, third and fourth round replays, those replayed dates, they’re going to be European dates on, so that necessarily means the teams that are playing in Europe couldn’t play on those dates and couldn’t make that.’ 

‘I think the lack of communication from the FA has been dreadful. For them to put out a statement out the following day to say they will then talk to the clubs in terms of how they will make up the finances, that has been really poor.

‘I would look at something along the lines of scrapping extra-time and going straight to penalties so the lower-league also team has the reasonable chance of going through and getting the better draw in the next round.

‘And also to look at the same money, for every club whatever round you’re in, whether you’re televised or not. I think that would be a more sensible way to look at it.’

The former Newcastle United striker continued to debate the subject alongside his BBC co-pundit, Micah Richards. 

Shearer debated the issue with his BBC Sport co-pundits during Man City’s clash with Chelsea

Richards said: ‘I agree with that Alan, especially on the money side. But it’s about the fans going to the big grounds as well. Everybody thinks it’s about the money but it’s the experience.

Shearer then replied: ‘I get that, but there’s only been eight times in the last five years where a League One club or below has gone to a Premier League ground in a replay. On average, one and a half times a season that that happens’.

Mail Sport revealed that furious lower-league clubs have raised the prospect of boycotting the FA Cup after the controversial move by the Premier League and FA.

Owners and fans of many sides outside the top flight have been left outraged by the move, which they say will hit them in the pocket and was made without them being consulted.