Burton and West Ham FA Cup clash delayed for bizarre reason with groundsman forced to take action

That forced the Burton groundsman into action, with the staff member fixing it using rope while fans inside the ground and at home watched on.

Adding to the chaos, a plane flew over the ground. West Ham fans had organised for a banner to be shown off protesting at the club's current ownership, with David Sullivan coming under fire amid a terrible campaign so far.

While the Hammers have struggled, however, they have picked up in recent weeks.

They have won four of their six matches in 2026 so far and, on Tuesday night, managed to draw 1-1 with Manchester United.

Should today's fixture finish level, then it'll be left to penalties to decide the tie due to the FA's decision to scrap replays.

And Nuno Espirito Santo, speaking in his press conference before the game, confirmed that he'd got his players practicing their spot-kicks if they're forced to do things the hard way.

“I’ve been there and I know what it is like and we must respect the opponent," he said.

“That’s why we are practising penalties already.

A hole in the net, and a peaceful protest banner in the sky...

An interesting start to proceedings between Burton and West Ham 😅 pic.twitter.com/8AZripZWYd

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 14, 2026

“We will practise both days before the game. It’s a very important part of the competition. I recall even last season, many of the rounds went to decide on penalties. It shows how seriously we are taking the tie.

“Macclesfield beating Crystal Palace shows the quality that English football has.

“You look at the squad of Burton, there are some good players.

“And I’m worried about the throw-ins."

On the importance of the FA Cup, he added: “It’s an important competition for us that we respect.

“We’re going to try and go through and take it day by day, see where the FA Cup leads us.”

Burton boss Gary Bowyer, meanwhile, joked about making things uncomfortable for West Ham before a ball was even kicked.

“We’ll probably turn up all the radiators as well in their dressing room and that sort of thing!,” he quipped.

“We don’t provide [weighted] ‘kicking balls’ anymore, but they would have been heavier!

“We know the challenge that lies ahead. The FA Cup is special and it’s special for a reason in these early rounds.

“I can’t wait. Brilliant. It’s exciting for everybody. Coming in on Tuesday, straight away you could tell – 100 per cent you could tell – it was completely different. A different feel, the energy, and not just in the players; staff, support staff, everybody.

“It’s a really exciting weekend ahead because you’re welcoming Premier League opposition.”