The First Round Proper of the 2026/27 FA Cup has been drawn, and excitement is building ahead of further potential shocks and surprises in this season’s competition. The TV scheduling for the First Round has also been confirmed but, perhaps as predicted, some sides have been left unhappy at being omitted from the coverage.
Fans have taken to social media to condemn the decision to show Peterborough United’s game against Reading, which will see Robbie Savage go up against his son, Charlie. The Peterborough manager has previously worked for TNT as a pundit and continues to work as a commentator for the sports network. Robbie’s son, Charlie, signed for the Royals on a four-year deal after appearing for Manchester United and having a loan spell at Forest Green Rovers.
The clash at London Road will see Savage Snr try to tactically outwit his son’s side, with the television money for the tie reportedly set at £50,000 — a sum that many sides lower down the pyramid could benefit from massively. TNT’s announcement of the televised matches drew angry comments from those who felt that non-league sides had been overlooked.
AFC Rushden & Diamonds fans were quick to criticise the decision to omit their match against League One side Burton Albion. The Diamonds are looking to bridge a six-level gap between themselves and the Brewers when they clash at the Pirelli Stadium on 7 November. Diamond1992 on X responded to TNT’s announcement by stating: “Denying non-league clubs of huge money to put your mate on TV in a game that nobody outside the Savage family cares about. Absolutely honking.”
Other overlooked ties included Boreham Wood vs Wigan Athletic, another non-league versus League One encounter. The decision to schedule an all-Southern League Premier South tie between Plymouth Parkway and Berkhamsted for a Monday night has also received a negative reaction. Both sides have part-time squads, while full-time teams will be playing on the Saturday.
The winners of each tie will receive £47,750, with the losers taking away £15,800. TNT’s opening weekend will see Oxford City attempt a giant-killing at home to Leicester City at The MGroup Stadium on Friday, 6 November, at 7.45 pm.
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