FA Cup crowds best in 30 years

The Football Association have responded to accusations that the FA Cup's popularity has taken a nosedive by reporting the biggest average attendance on third-round weekend since 1980.

By The Newsroom

Published 5th Jan 2010, 10:22 BST

Updated 5th Jan 2010, 10:22 BST

Remarkably, 28 ties attracted 514,172 supporters, an average of 18,363, compared with 19,160 30 years ago.

Although the figure is improved somewhat because four games were postponed, including matches at Accrington, Notts County and Brentford which would have dragged the average gate down, the FA still believe it is testament to the enduring appeal of the competition.

There is also a belief the wintry conditions over the weekend contributed to low crowds at Wigan, where just 5,335 turned up for the game with Hull.