FA Cup: Graham blasts FA over cup draw timing

The Football Association have come under fire for staging the FA Cup semi-final draw before Tottenham's defeat of West Ham.

Spurs went on to clinch a place against Arsenal but manager George Graham felt their victory celebrations had been tainted.

And he was supported in his criticism by Hammers boss Harry Redknapp.

"It was terrible to have the draw before we even kicked off," said Graham.

"I knew just after the start what the draw was but the players didn't. The competition needs a bit of dignity."

Redknapp said: "It was scandalous the draw was made before the game. We should all be listening to the radio on a Monday."

The semi-final clash gives Graham a chance to knock out the club he brought so much success as manager.

Arsenal easily disposed of First Division Blackburn at Highbury on Saturday and have a score to settle after losing 3-1 in the Wembley semi-final of 1991 when Paul Gascoigne was an inspirational figure.

Giant-killers Wycombe, from the Second Division, will face Liverpool after knocking out Leicester.

It gives Lawrie Sanchez the chance of completing a dream FA Cup double.

Thirteen years after scoring the goal that delivered the trophy to underdogs Wimbledon, the Wycombe side he manages now aim to cut down the Merseyside giants.

Wycombe are set for a financial windfall that could set them up for years.

Mark Austin, director of sales and marketing, said: "It is a dream draw for us.

"It is a major achievement to reach the semi-finals as we were a non-league club eight years ago."

Liverpool overcame the challenge of First Division Tranmere but manager Gerard Houllier is wary of Wycombe.

He said: "Wycombe have beaten Leicester and our players will have that on their minds."

Neither of the semi-finals will be played at Cardiff or Twickenham, two stadia that were believed to be possible venues.

Villa Park or Old Trafford could host the Wycombe game while Stamford Bridge might be an option for the London derby.