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22nd March 2024
03:10pm GMT
The kick-off time of the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester United and Coventry has been moved following an intervention by the Metropolitan Police.
The last four tie between the two sides will now be played at the earlier time of 15:30 on Sunday, April 21.
The FA had initially aimed for the game to kick off at 16:00, but this has been brought forward by half an hour due to the Met voicing public order concerns.
The force deemed it a high-risk fixture. United reached the last four by defeating Liverpool 4-3, while Coventry advanced from the quarter finals after seeing off Wolves.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s last four clash with Chelsea will kick-off at 17:15 on Saturday, April 20.
The Daily Mail reports that the kick-off times will be confirmed at a local Safety Advisory Group meeting later on Friday. There is often conflict between the police and the FA over kick off times for major games at Wembley.
Later kick-off times tend to attract bigger TV audiences, meaning more advertising revenue for broadcasters such as ITV and Sky. This has led to FA Cup semi-finals usually being evening fixtures.
However, games involving Manchester United are often considered high-risk by the police, something which is starting to frustrate the EFL and the FA according to sources.
Last season, the Carabao Cup final between United and Newcastle was brought forward to 15:00 due to safety concerns.
The FA Cup final between the Red Devils and Man City was also given an earlier kick-off time for the same reason.
There is a strong chance the same thing will happen this season should Erik ten Hag’s men reach the final.
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