The FA Cup semi-final left the final between Manchester City and Chelsea, but questions have once again been raised as to whether Wembley should host the last four matches on an annual basis, with seats conspicuously empty.
The FA Cup semi-final has been held at Wembley since it reopened in 2007 (Image: The FA via Getty Images)
The empty seats at Wembley’s match against Manchester City on Saturday reignited the almost annual debate over whether the country’s biggest stadium should host the FA Cup semi-final.
Josep Guardiola’s side avoided a shock at Southampton with a 2-1 victory as Nico Gonzalez scored a rocket with three minutes remaining. However, a lot of attention was focused on the unsold seats on the City side.
The 90,000-capacity stadium has hosted the FA Cup semi-finals since it reopened in 2007, but in recent years high crowd numbers have raised questions about whether the last four games would need to be held elsewhere. In the past, Villa Park was a popular venue and hosted some iconic matches.
Naturally, opinions are divided. For City in particular, when they visit Wembley three times a year, as they have this season, the magic of going to Wembley naturally disappears. It also comes at a financial cost. The fact that fans have to travel to London gives the impression that supporters are not being taken into consideration.
Conversely, for a club like Southampton, a trip to Wembley cannot be considered an annual event. In the past decade, clubs like Sheffield United and Coventry have also played in the semi-finals. Further back, Reading, Millwall and Barnsley also appeared. For their fans, heading to Wembley could be a real highlight.
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Reporters teased Guardiola about the lack of City fans traveling, but insisted he would be heading to City for next month’s final. So we’re asking whether the FA needs to seriously consider having a more open mind about the venue for the semi-final.
john cross
I love the FA Cup, but I hate the semi-finals at Wembley. We should remember why we moved to the National Stadium in the first place.
In the early ’90s, yes, I’m old enough to remember, there were some semi-finals where it made sense to move to Wembley (most notably the North London Derby in 1991 and ’93). Other teams soon followed suit. Is there anywhere else big enough to host a Sheffield derby?
Now, using logic, let’s get back to using convenient stadiums. Villa Park is nearby. Old Trafford. And it would bring a bit of magic back to the FA Cup. However, many players may enjoy the semi-finals being held at Wembley as it is a chance to play there.
Southampton were shutout until the end against Wembley and were dreaming of an upset.
There is one important caveat regarding this. I hate even pundits and pundits who have never paid for a ticket in their life, let alone follow a club that preaches loyalty to their fans or makes cynical comments about stadiums that are only half full. Do you know how much it costs to become a Man City fan and follow the team to Wembley? And all over the country. Thousands and thousands of pounds. So don’t dare to doubt their loyalty.
sam mead
First of all, I fully expect the FA to carry on with business as usual, as the semi-final at Wembley generates revenue and, to be honest, they seem to have little regard for the fans attending the games. Over the years we have seen train strikes from the north and they have had little appetite to change venue.
For me, changing the semi-finals is not easy. It means there is even more appeal for the final to be played at Wembley, and with so many competitive teams from the north it makes perfect sense to hold the match further north.
We often hear about lower-ranked clubs enjoying their day out, but the new Wembley 20 years will see the vast majority of Football League clubs playing at Wembley, whether through play-offs or other means.
Man City have played at Wembley more times than any team over the past decade, which puts high demands on their fans.
I wish I could tell you to watch this space, but nothing changes.
Felix Keith
I see both sides of the argument. You only had to look at the yellow half of Wembley on Saturday to see the magic of the legendary Cup. Southampton fans were delighted with the trip to north London (even though South Western Railway were not playing any ball) and there was a great atmosphere inside the National Stadium.
But would the atmosphere have been more special in a different venue? I’m not sure, especially considering the oft-lamented shrimp sandwich brigade doesn’t return from entertaining until 60 minutes.
For fans of many clubs these days, especially those who have reached the last four of the FA Cup, a trip to Wembley has no appeal whatsoever. And if you’ve already been to the finals three weeks ago, it definitely takes away the shine from the finals.
I think the tournament would benefit from being reorganized, with the semi-finals being played at a neutral venue. Take them to Hill Dickinson Stadium, Villa Park, or Principality Stadium for a fresh start to the day. Nothing can stop Manchester City from achieving that goal every year, so at least give their fans another reason to come.
Andy Dunn
For Saturday’s semi-final, half the stadium was full and fully interested, while the other half was half full and half interested. For non-Southampton fans, it was a rather disappointing affair in the face of unexpectedly slow entertainment. And then there’s friction. Saints supporters seemed to be having a great day, so why begrudge them the fun?
Villa Park was the scene of one of the great FA Cup semi-finals (Image: Man Utd via Getty Images)
But all things considered, holding the semi-final at Wembley was and will continue to be a bad idea. Wembley should be the premier destination for this grand old tournament, not a step in the middle.
But holding the semi-final at Wembley was the least acceptable break with tradition. No, the Football Association’s decision to allow the FA Cup final to be held before the end of the Premier League season was the most unforgivable decision. If Wembley is truly meant to be the crowning destination, then the FA Cup final should be the crowning day of the season.
Jeremy Cross
Manchester City supporters have become the real victims of their club’s success. More than 20 trips to Wembley in just 10 years would have taken a huge toll on fans’ wallets.
The FA Cup Final is one of the most prestigious matches in all of football. And neither of the teams that got there could have had the privilege of playing at Wembley to get there.
Yes, the semi-final will not be held at Wembley, but at a neutral venue. Old Trafford, Villa Park, St James’s Park and Anfield are all more than capable of hosting last-four matches. Tradition seems to have gone out the window. We put our supporters first, especially at a time when millions of people are feeling the cost of living at stake.
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