By Chris O'Brien
December 19 2003
Cardiff City's FA Cup clash with Sheffield United has been moved to a midday kick-off due to fears of trouble amongst supporters. Violence between the two sets of fans marred the 8-goal thriller, that City lost at Brammal Lane earlier in the season.
| Cup Clash Moved to Midday |
| The kick-off time for Cardiff City's FA
Cup third round tie against Yorkshire side Sheffield United has been moved
to a 12.00pm kick-off for security reasons.
Trouble escalated between the two sets of supporters in United's 5-3 victory over the Bluebirds at Brammal Lane earlier in the season, and there were also problems of fighting amongst fans in an FA Cup tie back in 1999. The original plan was to make the game coach-travel only for away supporters making the long journey down from Yorkshire, however following discussions with South Wales Police the game has now been moved to a noon kick-off and will also be an all-ticket affair. Strict regulations are also in place to try and stop any hooligans making the journey to Ninian Park. This will obviously have a massive affect on the attendance. The incredible fickle City fans have not made many appearances in Cup football so far this season. Just over 4,000 turned up for the visit of Leyton Orient in the first round of the League Cup, and under 10,000 home fans were at Ninian Park for the second round against West Ham United. Sheffield United, a club who had a fantastic Cup run in both domestic competitions last season, have been given 2,000 tickets for the tie in the Grangend, and will be hoping to see their side go through to the last 32 of the world's greatest Cup competition. |
