Liverpool v Man City: Pundit hails ‘massive’ development as official statement issued
Kevin Phillips has hailed the Football Association for laying on free buses for Man City’s FA Cup semi-final meeting against Liverpool.
The former England striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted decision-makers were correct to keep the showpiece clash at Wembley Stadium.
In an official statement issued on Friday (25 March), the FA confirmed they have chartered 100 buses for free travel for up to 5,000 fans.
Rail engineering works mean there will be no services from the northwest to the capital over the Easter weekend, with the game taking place on 16 April.
Fan groups from both sides had asked for a change of venue due to the disruption.
Phillips credited the FA for coming up with a solution in order to keep the semi-final at its “traditional” home.
He told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs: “It’s only right that they came up with the solution.
“There’s going to be these problems with the rail system, which the FA obviously have no control over – and unfortunately it falls on the weekend of these games.
“They’ve looked at it, put a load of buses on – and probably forked out a massive of money in the process. Credit to the FA for that.
“It could’ve been moved, but I’m a great believer in the semi-finals being at Wembley – it’s a tradition now, isn’t it?
“Credit has to go to the FA for coming up with that solution to ensure everyone can enjoy the game.”
Liverpool trail City by just a point in the Premier League.
London duo Chelsea and Crystal Palace face off at Wembley on 17 April in the competition’s other semi-final.
In other news, Football Insider reveals that Liverpool have reached ‘agreement in principle’ to sign youngster this summer.