Bolton may pull out of FA Cup

Bolton Wanderers are not certain of continuing this season's FA Cup with Fabrice Muamba still critically ill following his collapse on the White Hart Lane pitch on Saturday.

Wanderers will hold talks with the Football Association in the next 48 hours before arriving at a decision.

Saturday's quarter-final with Tottenham was abandoned after the midfielder's collapse and a rematch would usually be played next Tuesday or Wednesday.
 
Their game at Aston Villa on Tuesday night has already been called off.

The psychological effect of returning to the same stadium, only nine days after such a desperate event, may simply be too much to bear for the players and staff.

Boss Owen Coyle said: "The players wouldn't be in any fit state to play. Football pales into insignificance at this time."

Muamba remained in critical condition in hospital on Sunday night.

The FA will talk to Bolton – possibly as early as Mondday – about the quarter-final tie. In the event of a Bolton withdrawal, Spurs would be given a bye to a Wembley semi-final with Chelsea, but it is unlikely that the Lancashire club would face any kind of penalty if they decide to do so.

Bolton face a critical relegation game with local rivals Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Football Association told The Independent that counselling was available for any players who wished to make use of it.