Former Colchester United attacker at centre of bizarre scenario
FORMER Colchester United attacker Gavin Massey was involved in a bizarre situation after a FA Trophy tie had to be replayed.
Massey, who made 178 league and cup appearances for the U’s during his four-and-a-half year stint with the club, came on as a substitute in Bury’s first qualifying round 3-1 win over Wythenshawe Town, with the Shakers unaware of any issue before the match.
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But Massey had been sent off in the aftermath of his former club AFC Fylde’s final game of last season against Barnet, meaning he was ineligible for the tie against Wythenshawe.
Massey’s record became visible to Bury after the original tie, displaying that he should have been suspended.
Bury, who play in Northern Premier League West, sent relevant evidence to the FA in an attempt to provide mitigation.
But an FA panel subsequently decided that the tie should be replayed, with Massey also serving a one-match ban.
⏱️ 90+8' 🔵 WTFC 1-2 Shakers🟡
DJ Pedro the hero on the night, as the Shakers win at Ericstan Park.
See you on Saturday at Runcorn Linnets - further details to follow. #BuryFC #bfc140 pic.twitter.com/yiEhOCBi15— Bury Football Club (@buryfcofficial) September 16, 2025
Bury won the replayed game against Wythenshawe 2-1 last night, progressing to the second qualifying round.
The Shakers issued a statement explaining how the incident had occurred and the mitigating evidence they provided to the FA.
The statement read: “With the Shakers 3-1 up in the FA Trophy tie against Wythenshawe Town, Gavin Massey was introduced for his debut on 66 minutes.
"It was subsequently brought to the player and the club’s attention that Massey had been dismissed in AFC Fylde’s final game of last season against Barnet.
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“Following the final whistle of that game, the referee brandished a red card in the direction of a group of players and staff of AFC Fylde in the changing room area.
“Massey left AFC Fylde in the summer and signed with the Shakers on September 1.
“However, the FA Portal only allows clubs to see the player registration detail once a player has made their first appearance for the club, with the discipline records on the portal showing one suspension for the game, that of Aiden Walker’s following his dismissal against Stalybridge Celtic in the FA Cup replay in August.
🔵⚪ Club Statement: FA Trophy
We would like to provide an update following news at the end of last week regarding the FA charges brought against the club for fielding an ineligible player.
With the Shakers 3-1 up in the FA Trophy tie against Wythenshawe Town, Gavin Massey was… pic.twitter.com/1cRuSqyhDn— Bury Football Club (@buryfcofficial) September 15, 2025
“After being introduced against Wythenshawe Town, Massey’s record became visible to the club and showed that he should have been suspended for the FA Trophy tie.
“This evening (Monday), an FA hearing took place relating to the charges brought against both Bury Football Club and Gavin Massey.
“Having provided the FA with all mitigating evidence, the panel decided that Gavin Massey will now serve a one match ban.
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“A second hearing, in the case of the Football Club, has determined that the FA Trophy tie against Wythenshawe Town will be replayed.
“Bury Football Club would like to put on record that no issues with player registrations occurred in this instance, and that usual processes were followed by our administration team in preparation for the FA Trophy tie.”
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