FA lay on free FA Cup semi-final bus travel for some Man City and Liverpool fans

The Football Association will provide free bus travel for up to 5,000 Liverpool and Manchester City supporters for their FA Cup semi-final on April 16.

It was confirmed on Friday that the match would kick off at Wembley at 3.30pm, but supporters are facing a major challenge to get down to London, with no trains running on the West Coast Mainline over the Easter weekend because of engineering works.

The FA said in a statement: “The FA recognises the significant challenges that are being faced by some Liverpool and Manchester City supporters.

“The FA, Network Rail and Chiltern Railways strongly advise that Liverpool and Manchester City supporters affected should avoid travelling from the north west by train wherever possible and seek alternative travel arrangements.

“The FA is pleased to announce that a limited number of free return bus services will be provided for both the Emirates FA Cup and Vitality Women’s FA Cup semi-finals involving Liverpool and Manchester City on Saturday, April 16 to support fans from the north west who wish to travel to and from London.

“The FA will charter 100 buses from Anfield and the Etihad Stadium, respectively, to Wembley Stadium and back. This will ensure that up to 5,000 Liverpool and Manchester City supporters will be able to travel to Wembley Stadium free of charge for their semi-final tie.

“The FA is also committed to provide a number of free return bus services for Manchester City Women supporters travelling from the north west to east London.”

The kick-off time falls within the traditional Saturday television blackout hours, but, because only three Premier League matches are kicking off at 3pm and no EFL games starting at 3pm that day, there was no need for the FA to seek an