SEMI FINAL ROW RUMBLES ON

Last updated : 15 March 2005 By editor

The press have prematurely announced that IMUSA are calling on supporters to boycott the match, however the organisation have told us that no firm decision has yet been made. The quotes from Mark Longden were simply an expression of personal opinion, but IMUSA are not ruling out an official boycott call.

IMUSA Chair Jules Spencer said:

"The press as usual have slightly over-blown this story in so far that they have reported a personal decision by IMUSA's Press Officer to boycott the match. IMUSA would never seek to tell United supporters what to do, however if it has widespread backing amongst fans we should not rule it out. We all have to make a personal choice between the desire to support the team and the hassle, cost and inconvenience the FA are forcing us into by travelling to Cardiff.

"That said, IMUSA have learnt this morning that there is a very good chance that the Arsenal - Blackburn semi could be moved because the two clubs have only asked for around 45000 tickets between them. That shows you that non-attendance can prove effective. We are re-iterating our belief that the game should be switched to Elland Road and will be doing everything in our power to make this happen"

Former United boss Wilf McGuinness has added his voice to those outraged by the choice of venue, "I'm looking forward to watching both semi-finals but why on earth the FA have decided to hold both matches at the Millennium Stadium is beyond me.

"It's not fair on any of the supporters of the four teams left in the competition and I think the FA are just trying to make things as expensive as they can for the fans. I just don't understand their thinking at all."

After all the supporters have done for the club in helping to fight off Malcolm Glazer one would expect some support from them – but don’t hold your breath!