FA slams Fergie’s Cup semi-finals fixture claim

THE Football Association yesterday denied they had been “forced” by Arsenal to play the FA Cup semi-finals at the Millennium Stadium.

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson made the accusation on Manchester United Radio ahead of the matches this weekend in Cardiff. The FA say the semi-finals were scheduled during the close season.

A spokesman told www.thefa.com: “Every season we are under pressure to find large neutral semi-final venues to maximise the number of fans able to follow their teams.

“As a venue, Cardiff is currently the largest available to the FA.

“Contrary to what has been suggested, Arsenal did not ‘force this (decision) through’.”

Arsenal face Blackburn on Saturday in Cardiff with United taking on Newcastle the following day at the same venue.

Old Trafford boss Ferguson said he felt sorry for the supporters.