Gary Lineker suggested a major FA Cup change (Image: Getty)
has split opinion among football fans over his demand to scrap extra-time in the . The former captain believes that the extra 30 minutes hands bigger teams an advantage in the early rounds of the competition.
The FA controversially scrapped replays from the first round at the start of the season. Had they remained in place, National League side Tamworth would have earned a lucrative replay against in the third round.
Having been held to a goalless draw by the fifth-tier side after 90 minutes, Spurs scored three goals in extra-time as their quality and fitness eventually gave them an edge.
Lineker used that example to argue that extra-time should be scrapped, suggesting that matches should go straight to penalties. That would give ties such as Tamworth’s against Spurs an extra layer of jeopardy for the bigger club.
However, Express Sport readers were split on Lineker’s call. Fifty-four per cent of voters said the FA were right to keep extra-time in place, with 46 per cent voting in favour of Lineker.
It comes after the 63-year-old said on The Rest Is Football Podcast: “Personally, I think if they’re going to take away replays, they should take away extra time.
“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. So, I think that’s unfair.
“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.
Tottenham beat Tamworth after extra-time in the FA Cup third round (Image: Getty)
“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 [ vs ] all we wanted then is a penalty shootout at the end.”
The FA Cup fourth-round ties will be played this weekend. Today, Leyton Orient will hope to cause a shock when they host struggling , who were thrashed 5-1 by last weekend.
go to Plymouth tomorrow, while Spurs visit Aston Villa. Any match that ends in a draw after 90 minutes will head into extra-time.