Gary Lineker has made his opinion clear that FA Cup ties going to extra-time is unnecessary after several thrilling third-round matches, including Manchester United‘s penalty shootout win over Arsenal.
The FA Cup proved its enduring appeal with non-league Tamworth’s spirited display against Tottenham, despite ultimately losing 3-0.
However, controversy surrounded the round due to the absence of replays, a change announced by the FA in April last year, which was met with disapproval from EFL and lower-league clubs.
Lineker, a BBC pundit and 1991 FA Cup winner with Spurs, believes that if replays have been abolished, then the 30 minutes of extra time that follow a drawn match should also be scrapped.
“We still have extra-time. Personally, I think if they’re going to take away replays, they should take away extra-time,” Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast.
“Because otherwise, it really favours the strong teams – because they’ve got bigger squads, and they can put on their best players in extra-time like Spurs did [against Tamworth]. And they went on to win.”
Ange Postecoglou‘s team struggled to penetrate the National League side’s defence within the regulation time on Sunday afternoon.
However, with the introduction of high-profile players such as captain Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski during extra time, they managed to secure a decisive victory. “So, I think that’s unfair,” Lineker commented.
“If they’re gonna do away with replays – which I think to be honest, as much as it’s a shame – they need to find another way of supporting teams from lower divisions, lower leagues and non-league.”
“The pyramid needs to help out a little bit more. The amount of football that players are playing now, playing replays as well, is tough.
“So I understand why they’re doing that – but do away with extra time as well. Even in the game today [Man Utd vs Arsenal] all we wanted then is a penalty shootout at the end.”
In a thrilling encounter at the Emirates, United and Arsenal ended regular time locked at 1-1. Diogo Dalot was sent off, and Altay Bayindir stopped Martin Odegaard’s penalty before the additional 30 minutes elapsed with no significant events.
Ultimately, the match was settled by penalties, with United emerging triumphant after Kai Havertz failed to convert his spot-kick and Joshua Zirkzee bagged the decisive penalty.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk