Bury have been thrown out of this season's FA Cup for playing on-loan Stephen Turnbull without being given permission in writing by Hartlepool United. 
Bury manager Chris Casper spoke with Hartlepool manager Danny Wilson, requesting permission for Turnbull to play in the Second Round Replay at Chester. Danny Wilson apparently gave the Shakers verbal permission and stated that he would speak to his secretary who would ensure all the relevant paper work was sent to Bury FC & the FA.
The paperwork was never sent but Bury accept they are at fault, and have thanked Hartlepool United for their support and letter of support to the FA.
In an unusual circumstance Bury given leave to appeal the decision and will do so. Once Bury realised the player was not registered, the club straight away informed the FA that they had fielded an ineligible player.
Chris Casper told his clubs official website www.buryfc.co.uk :
"It was a genuine mistake. I spoke to Danny Wilson looking for permission to play Stephen Turnbull at Chester and got verbal permission to do so. I saw no other reason for him not to play."
Had the club not notified the FA there is every chance the error would have been over looked. With the Xmas period and the transfer window re-opening in January, this sort of error could have been missed.
In the past, the most famous case of similar circumstances is West Ham playing a ineligible player in their 3-1 League Cup win over Aston Villa. That game was re-played. Surely the FA are not using one rule for the big clubs, and another for the smaller teams!?
At the moment, subject to appeal. Chester City will now play Ipswich Town in the Third round.