Former Premier League manager, 41, left baffled after being caught out by little-known FA Cup rule in extra time
RUBEN SELLES was left gobsmacked after not being allowed to make an extra-time substitution in Reading’s FA Cup clash with Harborough Town.
The Royals needed extra time to get the better of the eighth-tier side in their FA Cup second-round tie last Saturday.
Ruben Selles was left gobsmacked when he couldn’t make a sixth sub in Reading’s FA Cup clash with Harborough Town[/caption]
The Spaniard thought he could introduce a sixth sub as the match went to extra time[/caption]
The rule meant star Royals striker Sam Smith couldn’t be introduced[/caption]
An extra-time brace from substitute Chem Campbell saw Selles’ troops run out 5-3 winners at the Madjeski Stadium.
Star striker Sam Smith was all set to enter the fray before extra time got underway but was denied the opportunity to do so as Selles had forgotten a rule.
Smith had to sit on the subs bench as Selles had already used his permitted five subs in normal time.
Selles, 41, would’ve been allowed to make a sixth change during the extra-time period before the rules changed.
The former Southampton manager was left stunned when he was informed he couldn’t make a sixth change.
And his frustration stemmed from allegedly being told he COULD introduce a sixth sub if the game went past the allotted 90 minutes.
The Spaniard said: “We will get clarification because we were told you can make an extra substitution if you go to extra time.
“Their manager was also on the same page because that had been the rule.
“The referee said it changed so I need to check a paragraph.
“If it should be like that then it was our mistake, but we will ask for clarification.”
Reading’s reward for beating Harborough is a third-round tie with Championship side Burnley on January 11.
The Royals will be back in action tonight, welcoming Cambridge United at the Madjeski.
