Wembley debate

[Stu]

If the FA have to make a decision then you know it will be the wrong one.

Semi Finals...

Old Trafford
Millennium Stadium
Emirates
Villa Park (ok biased)
Even Twickenham

Anywhere but Wembley.

The FA haven't got a clue about football supporters.

Wouldn't happen. The RFU told the FA to do one when the new Wembley was being built, that's why the finals were held at the Millenium Stadium.

You're right about the FA though, well, either that or they do know about football supporters and don't give a shit.

[Clampy]

It's the F.A, what else does one expect really.

[WikiVilla]

It's the F.A, what else does one expect really.

greed and incompetence, that's it

[The Left Side]

And lots of wasted money on nice trips for the old farts

[Gareth]

Semis should never be at Wembley!

Although I have to say I have never been more disappointed in any ground than I was in the s-hole, for the cost the ground was souless, the area was as grim as it always was... 800 mill and they built a shithole!! But it was the FA so you expect nowt less

[Chris Smith]

I don't like semi finals being played at Wembley but the argument that it allows more fans to see the game should not be dismissed so lightly. It's inconvenient for us traditionalists but it is a factor all the same even if it is not the reason that the FA do it.

[andyh]

I don't like semi finals being played at Wembley but the argument that it allows more fans to see the game should not be dismissed so lightly. It's inconvenient for us traditionalists but it is a factor all the same even if it is not the reason that the FA do it.

Chris, if the old argument about letting loads of fans have the opportunity to attend the game was true, then both of the finalists would get 40,000 tickets  rathen than the paltry amount they will end up with.
The FA don't give a shit about the fans...just raking it in.

[JJ-AV]

In an ideal world there'd be four or five venues available for FA Cup semi-finals (up and down the country) and the two clubs competing in it would decide where it'd be held, based on geographical location and capacity. Old Trafford, Eastlands, Villa Park, Milenium Stadium, Emirates and Wembley could be used.

Unfortunately, now the decision has been made, I doubt the FA can change it lightly 'cos of all the people who've bought Club Wembley seats for x amount of years with FA Cup semi finals included.

[CJ]

I agree that cup semi-finals at Wembley are just wrong and are purely held there so the incompetent FA can recoup their overspend on rebuilding the stadium. I still favour neutral venues, but another alternative which would enable all fans to see their team in a semi final would be to make them two-legged, home and away, which would also address issues about capacity of a neutral ground.

[Villa'Zawg]

There's nothing in the rules that forces the semi-finals to be played at Wembley.

[tauntonvilla]

It's just wrong. I didn’t attend the semi last year, purely out of principle, and I do not subscribe to Sky Sports for the same reason !!

[Chris Smith]

I don't like semi finals being played at Wembley but the argument that it allows more fans to see the game should not be dismissed so lightly. It's inconvenient for us traditionalists but it is a factor all the same even if it is not the reason that the FA do it.

Chris, if the old argument about letting loads of fans have the opportunity to attend the game was true, then both of the finalists would get 40,000 tickets  rathen than the paltry amount they will end up with.
The FA don't give a shit about the fans...just raking it in.

It is true though, more people get to attend a semi final at Wembley than if it was at Villa Park. I don't give a toss about the FA but I bet a lot of those Stoke fans getting their first crack in god knows how long are grateful for an opportunity to attend.

As I said I am against holding them at Wembley but you can't just ignore the fact because it doesn't suit.

[Concrete John]

In an ideal world there'd be four or five venues available for FA Cup semi-finals (up and down the country) and the two clubs competing in it would decide where it'd be held, based on geographical location and capacity. Old Trafford, Eastlands, Villa Park, Milenium Stadium, Emirates and Wembley could be used.

Although I like the idea in principle, I'm not sure it could work practically.

The scenario I envision is side like Man Utd v Stoke (or similar) in the semi.  Man Utd, who don't need the extra cash, might like somewhere close-ish like Anfield or VP, but Stoke, knowing their likely to lose, would want Wembley as they don;t expect to make to final there and for the extra income.  Say what you want about the FA, but the clubs are also largely money focused and their choice would be whatever gets them the biggest revenue.

[damon loves JT]

I have just turned down a press pass to the game. That is how little I am arsed.

[nadz3488]

I still think Wembley should just be for internationals and cup finals.  Its just not right having the semis at Wembley.