Man Utd FA Cup semi-final set for ‘enhanced police presence’ amid Liverpool clash fear
Manchester United are set to take on Championship side Coventry in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley but there are some concerns that there could be potential for clashes with supporters of Liverpool
The British Transport Police are set to have an “enhanced policing presence” ahead of Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final in a bid to avoid any unsavoury clashes with Liverpool fans.
The Red Devils take on Championship side Coventry on Sunday, April 21 at Wembley Stadium. That fixture in particular is only considered a ‘medium-risk’.
However, any chance meetings with rival supporters have forced the authorities to take action. United’s fierce rivals Liverpool are also in action in London on that day.
Jurgen Klopp’s side take on Fulham at Craven Cottage an hour later in the Premier League. That game was rescheduled last month to be broadcast on TV.
The overlap between the two fixtures has raised concern about potential clashes between United and Liverpool fans. Rail services from both Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street both arrive at London Euston ahead of the two games.
The BTP have refused to confirm what their specific plans are, but there will be an ‘additional’ presence. Speaking to The Athletic, a spokesperson said: “The safety of rail passengers remains the force’s top priority and there will be an enhanced policing presence and specialist resources deployed across the rail network throughout the weekend.”
Should United overcome Coventry, then they could be in line for a rematch with fierce rivals Manchester City. The two sides faced off in the FA Cup final last term – Pep Guardiola’s side lifting the trophy after a brace from Ilkay Gundogan.
City take on Chelsea in the other semi-final the day before. Away from football, the London Marathon will also take place on Sunday, April 21. It’s not just the semi-finals that have caused scheduling headaches though.
The FA have already had to come up with an emergency plan should Coventry find a way beyond United and into the final. The final is due to take place on Saturday, May 25.
The Championship playoff final is due to take place at Wembley just 24 hours later. As it stands, there is a very real prospect that Coventry could have a ticket to both.
Mark Robins’ men currently sit outside of the playoff places but a late run could see them secure a top-six spot. Coventry are four points behind Norwich with a game in hand.
The Sky Blues are back in action on Tuesday evening as they take on fellow promotion chasers Southampton at St Mary’s. They come into that game off the back of a brilliant 2-1 victory over Leeds United.
Manchester United allowed another lead to slip against Liverpool, conceding a late penalty.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is usually one of Manchester United‘s best tacklers. But in the draw against Liverpool he got it all wrong.
With United leading 2-1 and Liverpool chasing the game, Wan-Bissaka made the decision to dive into a tackle and try to dispossess Harvey Elliott.
Wan-Bissaka failed to win the ball, but there was really minimal contact with Elliott too. VAR reviewed it and backed referee Anthony Taylor’s decision to award the penalty. The game ended in a 2-2 draw.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka decision reviewed
On initial viewing, the incident looked like a clear penalty. But when slowed down in slow motion, you can really see how Wan-Bissaka’s attempted tackle barely catches Elliott.
However, via Sky Sports News, former referee Dermot Gallagher gave his view, and said it was the ‘right decision’ to award the penalty, and there was enough contact, and defended the Liverpool midfielder against accusations he dived.
He said: “I think penalty. If you make a challenge like this. The expectation from me was penalty.
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“People say ‘is there a lot of contact? Well he dives in, he definitely makes contact.
“Have Elliot initiated contact? I think he’s just stood his ground. Me expectation was penalty and I think the decision is right.”
Three penalties in two games
Manchester United have now conceded three penalties in the last two games, with two awarded in the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea.
All three have been a little harsh. Antony barely touched Marc Cucurella, while Diogo Dalot only slightly clipped Noni Madueke.
The main issue is that United players keep putting themselves in these positions, giving attackers touches inside the penalty box.
These situations can wear players down, as we saw in Wan-Bissaka’s case, where he made the wrong decision. This was a mental error as much as a technical one.
Andre Onana was unable to bail Wan-Bissaka out, nor against Chelsea. He may have better luck next time, but hopefully United’s players will not be giving away any more penalties in the upcoming games.
United now have a week until the next game against Bournemouth. Getting a week of physical and mental rest will be beneficial to the players, who went straight into an intense schedule after the international break.
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