Leeds United Supporters’ Trust says FA Cup semi-final date wait ‘not acceptable’
The last-four tie at Wembley has now been pencilled in for April 26
Last updated 13 minutes ago
Leeds United Supporters’ Trust has claimed it was “not acceptable” to have kept fans waiting before confirming dates for the FA Cup semi-finals.
The West Yorkshire club announced on Thursday that their last-four tie at Wembley against Chelsea will take place on Sunday, April 26, with a 3pm kick off.
Last Sunday’s penalty shootout win against West Ham saw Leeds reach the semi-finals for the first time in 39 years and the Football Association confirmed the ties would take place over the weekend of April 25-26 after the draw.
Leeds are scheduled to play a rearranged Premier League game at Bournemouth four days before their Wembley trip and fans had been left in limbo with regards to travel arrangements and hotel bookings.
LUST said in a statement posted on social media before the dates were set: “We have reached out to both Leeds and the Football Supporters’ Association to understand the slowness in announcing details for the FA Cup semi-final.
“Having liaised with the club, they are still in the dark and waiting on governing bodies, the police and broadcaster to come to a final decision.
“We’re all frustrated at the length of time it is taking whilst also planning the rearranged midweek fixture.
“It’s not acceptable that we go into the fourth day since the draw, with no details leaving thousands of fans in limbo.”
The FA has been approached for comment by the Press Association.
Leeds are expected to be allocated around 30,000 tickets for the trip to Wembley – their first time in the last four since 1987 when they lost 3-2 to eventual winners Coventry after extra time.
Manchester City face Southampton in the other semi-final on Saturday evening while the Leeds v Chelsea tie will clash with this year’s London Marathon, which also takes place on the Sunday.