Saturday, April 18, 2015, is a date that Reading fans will remember forever.
Almost 40,000 Royals walked down Wembley Way for the club’s first appearance in the last four the FA Cup since 1927, and they were so close to going one better.
Taking holders Arsenal all the way to extra-time, and more than worthy of taking the game to a penalty shoot-out were it not for a soft Alexis Sanchez double, the moment Garath McCleary deflected the ball over Wojciech Szczęsny’s head and the ensuing scenes are memories that fans will forever talk about- a real ‘I was there moment’ in Reading folklore.
Having said all of that, there is serious talk that the semi-final of the FA Cup could be taken away from the national stadium for the first time since 2007.
Until the development of the new Wembley, the last four was always played at a neutral ground as equidistant from the two teams as possible.
Villa Park, home of Aston Villa, has hosted the most semi-finals of the FA Cup with 55, but has not hosted one in over 10 years.
An argument that is discussed at this time every year, this is the year it may actually come to pass with no public transport running between Liverpool and London over the weekend of this year’s event, making it incredibly difficult for Liverpool supporters to make their way back from the capital.
The FA have confirmed their stance that they plan to continue the semi-finals at Wembley, leaving the clubs to make alternative travel arrangements for their supporters.
However, with this topic on people’s lips this week, it has brought into question the future use of Wembley Stadium as a semi-final venue.
From a Reading perspective, many supporters seem to be in agreement that the national stadium should be reserved for cup finals only.
The thing is James for teams like Reading having a semi final at Wembley is our best chance of a Wembley day out in the fa cup. However it spoils the excitement of the final at Wembley. Playing at Wembley should be an honour and the hardest thing to do. Semis should be neutral
— Cameron (@ronniemac93) March 23, 2022
Milo, said: “I have always been in favour of FA Cup semi's held at neutral grounds. It made the final at Wembley more special.”
Meanwhile, Joe said: “I thoroughly enjoyed Wembley but it would have made the final 10x better if we made it had we not been there in the semis. A neutral venue like Tottenhams new stadium could be good?”
I thoroughly enjoyed Wembley but it would have made the final 10z better if we made it had we not been there in the semis.
— Joe🏴 (@RFCJoeJ) March 23, 2022
A neutral venue like Tottenhams new stadium could be good?
The most in-depth response came from Cameron, who said: “For teams like Reading, having a semi -final at Wembley is our best chance of a Wembley day out in the FA Cup. However, it spoils the excitement of the final at Wembley. Playing at Wembley should be an honour and the hardest thing to do. Semis should be neutral.”
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