Colchester United’s U18s have been reinstated into the FA Youth Cup – and will now face Arsenal in an exciting Quarter Final tie at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.
The U’s were defeated 4-1 by Reading in the Fifth Round, but it subsequently came to light that the Royals had breached competition rules by fielding an underage player in the game on February 6th.
The Championship side were removed from the tournament after an FA hearing and subsequently chose not to appeal the judgement, meaning the U’s young players return to the tournament at the last eight stage to face the Gunners.
Colchester United’s Academy Manager Jon De Souza explained to the website: “This is not something that we as a club actively pushed for, and Reading deserved their win on the night, but the decision was made that the rules were breached on this occasion.
“As a result, we have the chance to host one of the best young sides in the country at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, and it’s another fantastic chance for our young players to test themselves in a pressurised match under the floodlights.
“The players have enjoyed a fantastic cup run so far and we would urge the club’s supporters to come along to the game to give them your support.”
The U’s are set to host the Gunners on Tuesday 6th March in a 7.00pm kick-off and further details will be confirmed in due course.