Forest Green paint the full picture after controversial Blackpool FA Cup postponement

Forest Green Rovers owner Dale Vince has provided clarity into their postponed FA Cup clash with Blackpool. FGR and the Tangerines were due to play in the second round last week however the FA postponed their tie, and began an investigation into the South Gloucestershire club.

An investigation began into the League Two outfit into the eligibility of a FGR player, who had been used in their first round tie against Scarborough Athletic. Forest Green beat Scarborough 5-2 in a first-round replay in mid-November, however it wasn't until Wednesday, December 6 that a decision was made, which incensed Tangerines boss Neil Critchley.

The resolution was that Forest Green will have to replay their tie against Scarborough on Tuesday, December 12. Blackpool will host the winner of that match at Bloomfield Road on December 19, adding to an already period in the fixture schedule before Christmas with five games to be played in 14-days. More details have since emerged into the postponement, and why Forest Green must now replay their fixture.

FGR owner Vince said in a tweet: "When investigations take place and rulings get announced in football, fans are often left confused as to what actually went on - making them wonder what the hell is happening at their club.

"Our recent charge came about after we failed to tell the FA that we had permission from the player's home club to be part of our FA Cup squad.  They recognised we had approval for the player - but that we had not told them, which was our mistake.  In the grand scheme of things this was an admin error, so we appreciate the FA's acceptance of what happened and their judgement.

"The FA ruled that @safc will keep all the money from the gate for this replay, as is right - and we don’t get travel or accommodation expenses (which are normal). Hopefully this means something good can come from this."

The winner of Blackpool versus the victor of Forest Green v Scarborough Athletic faces a trip to the City Ground to face Premier League strugglers Nottingham Forest. The tie is due to be played on Saturday, January 6.