Those choosing to 'poke fun' are 'missing the real issue'
Empty Manchester City seats at Wembley? You're missing the point.You've only got to spend a few moments scrolling on your favourite social media platform to come across someone bashing Manchester City's fanbase for not selling out their allocation at Wembley on Sunday afternoon.At face value; Yes, it's Wembley Stadium. Yes, it's an FA Cup semi-final. Yes, it's perhaps one of the biggest dates in the football calendar for many fans and a unique opportunity to visit one of the most iconic sporting venues on the planet.Then you take a step back and realise: Sunday's FA Cup semi-final meeting with Nottingham Forest was Manchester City's 30th - yes, THIRTY - appearance at Wembley Stadium since 2011.To give that remarkable figure a bit of perspective, Liverpool managed a total of 30 appearances at the old Wembley in their entire history before the ground was demolished in 2002.An understanding of Manchester City supporters following the club to and from Wembley over the last 14 years should also take into account the extortionate costs of the day as a whole; a ticket averaging £77 across the five pricing categories, food and drink, travel costs via public transport, perhaps even overnight accommodation.And all this is before you even consider the wider costs of following the club home and away throughout the duration of a season well exceeding 50 games, ventures into Europe, additional costs of 'cup schemes' for the FA Cup and League Cup, and the rising prices for season tickets.But what is really happening online as fans continue to poke fun at Manchester City's empty seats at Wembley on Sunday afternoon, is supporters are missing the real issue at hand: FA Cup Semi-Finals should not be held at Wembley Stadium.Prior to 2008, all semi-finals in the FA Cup were contested at neutral venues large enough for the occasion. Common hosts including Birmingham's Villa Park and Manchester's Old Trafford.Perhaps a return to that more logical strategy could bring the semi-finals of the greatest cup football competition on the planet to former glory days, and rejuvenate such an occasion for who it should mean most to: the fans.Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external
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Shay Given was speaking ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Watch all 63 games live on DAZN for free. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
