Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has questioned the decision not to move the upcoming FA Cup semi-final between the Reds and Manchester City from Wembley Stadium.
The match is set to take place on April 16, although there is significant disruption to trains running from the north-west to London on that weekend due to engineering works. It means a number of fans have been left in travel chaos, as they seek to make their way to the capital via alternative means.
The awkward situation prompted calls for the match to be moved from London to a neutral location further north, with stadiums such as Villa Park and Old Trafford having hosted FA Cup semis in previous years.
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But on Friday, it was confirmed that Wembley will remain the host venue and that the match will take place at 3:30pm on Easter Saturday. The FA also pledged to put on 100 coaches to help supporters of both City and Liverpool make the journey.
Speaking about the situation while on England duty, Henderson raised concerns over the situation and commented on the costs for supporters in what are currently challenging times.
"It is really disappointing to see that it's a struggle and it's got to be expensive for them to get there," he said, per the Mirror. "I've been thinking a bit more about the fans. I think in many ways it's their day and not being able to get down to London for different reasons - the cost of that.
"So in my head, it would make sense to change it to a neutral (different) venue, especially with it being two teams from the north-west. It's disappointing for the fans and I know the FA might be changing kick-off time to try and help and also putting coaches on for the fans to get down for both Liverpool and City fans, which hopefully helps. But yes, it's not ideal for the fans for sure."
Henderson also made it clear that he would prefer to see Wembley kept for the final of competitions, with the semis hosted at the stadium since the new version was reopened back in 2007.
"I love playing at Wembley," he said. "I think it's a fantastic occasion, a fantastic stadium.
"But I would like to keep Wembley for finals. I think you should play semi-finals at a neutral ground like it used to be. I think that was quite exciting, quite good, and then obviously the final at Wembley to make it extra special."
