RUBEN SELLES was left gobsmacked after being caught out by a little-known FA Cup rule.
The former Southampton manager saw his side require extra time to make it into the hat for the third round.
An extra-time brace from substitute Chem Campbell saw Selles’ troops run out 5-3 winners.
Star striker Sam Smith was all set to enter the fray before extra time got underway but was denied the opportunity to do so as Selles was unaware of a rule change.
Smith had to sit on the subs bench as Selles had already used his permitted five subs in normal time.
In most tournaments, including the Champions League and World Cup, clubs are allowed to make a sixth substitution in extra time.
But the wording of the FA rule is a little different.
FA Cup rule 118.2 says that clubs in extra time are given one additional opportunity to make a substitution, but not an additional sub.
The Reading manager was left stunned when he was informed he couldn’t make a sixth change.
And his frustration stemmed from allegedly being told he COULD introduce a sixth sub if the game went past the allotted 90 minutes.
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The Spaniard said: “We will get clarification because we were told you can make an extra substitution if you go to extra time.
“Their manager was also on the same page because that had been the rule.
“The referee said it changed so I need to check a paragraph.
“If it should be like that then it was our mistake, but we will ask for clarification.”
Reading’s reward for beating Harborough is a third-round tie at home to Championship side Burnley on January 11.
The Royals will be back in action tonight, welcoming Cambridge United at the Madjeski.
