Arsenal’s fault that the semi’s are at Cardiff?

By European Football
April 11 2005

The reason Newcastle and Manchester United fans have to travel to Cardiff, is all down to Arsenal according to Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson. There had been calls my Manchester United fans to have their game with Newcastle to be played at Elland Road instead.

But these were dismissed by the FA, who insisted that both Semi Finals would be played in Cardiff.

"Apparently it was Arsenal who forced this through," he told Manchester United Radio.

"I think they wanted it at Cardiff last season instead of Villa Park.”

"We are looking forward to the semi-final but it's a terrible burden on the fans with it being at Cardiff, particularly the Newcastle fans.”

"I saw two differing views, one from Mark Longden of IMUSA, and the other from the editor of a newspaper.

"The editor said (Manchester) United fans were being arrogant and that they've had plenty of semi-finals whereas Newcastle haven't. “

"I don't think that's the point. The point is the cost to fans. And how many accidents will there be on the way down?”

"It's a long journey compared to, say, Leeds. I just don't understand it."

I have to say as a Newcastle fan, that I quite fancy a day out in Cardiff, yes its about as easy to get to as parts of Outer Mongolia, but I am hoping we have a bit more luck there than we ever had at Wembley.

The last time we were in a Semi we played Chelsea at Wembley (virtually a bloody home game for them) and I do not remember too many complaints, even though that was a venue that should have been switched.


And if it really is too far for Manchester United to travel, I for one would not mind them not turning up, if it means we progress to the final.