FA Cup: FA set to reject Arsenal appeal

The Football Association is expected to stand by its decision to stage Newcastle’s FA Cup quarter-final clash with Arsenal on a Saturday evening despite the protests of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and fans of the north London team.

Wenger believes the timing of the clash at St James Park 5.35pm on Saturday March 9 jeopardises his team’s Champions League campaign. Three days later they face Deportivo La Coruna at Highbury.