Don’t let TV and clubs destroy magic of FA Cup – The Yorkshire Post says

SO much for the magic of the FA Cup. Football’s most revered – and respected – club competition risks becoming an after-thought that risks diminishing its prestige still further.
2019 FA Cup winners Manchester City visit Sheffield Wednesday this week.2019 FA Cup winners Manchester City visit Sheffield Wednesday this week.
2019 FA Cup winners Manchester City visit Sheffield Wednesday this week.

Not content with clubs fielding weakened teams because league matches have a greater bearing on their finances, but the demands of TV broadcasters have gone too far.

It means this week’s fifth round games – normally one of the high-points of the football season – being played on four consecutive weekday evenings with scant consideration given for fans and families as Sheffield United prepare to make the long trip to Reading tonight.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And while Steel City rivals Sheffield Wednesday have the privilege of hosting Pep Guardiola’s 2019 winners Manchester City tomorrow, a match of this magnitude risks becoming just another game if both sides choose to rest first-team regulars. How long can this be allowed to go on before the FA Cup loses all of its remaining magic?

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.