The kick off time for this season's FA Cup final is to be brought forward amid concerns from the Metropolitan Police.
Last season's affair between Liverpool and Chelsea got underway at 4.45pm, with The Reds eventually prevailing via a penalty shootout. But in a move which may please the purists, not to mention travelling fans, Manchester United and Manchester City will start at an earlier time.
For the first time since 2011, when City themselves beat Stoke to claim their first trophy since their Abu Dhabi owners took over, the Wembley clash on June 3 will kick off at 3pm. The following year, the game was moved to 5.15pm in order to avoid a direct clash with Premier League fixtures, before later being moved half an hour earlier to please broadcasters.
Officers are concerned about potential clashes between rival fans, as well as the notion of more than 80,000 fans heading back North late in the evening. United and City have never before met at this stage in the FA Cup.
According to Mail Sport , the Football Association are content with the police recommendation and the decision. That's despite the later start being perceived as more beneficial to sponsors and advertisers.
The decision brings complications for ITV though. The 2023 Betfred Derby will run at 4.30pm on the Saturday, meaning as it stands, the race will clash with the crucial final stages at Wembley.
ITV are now reportedly in talks with the FA and the Jockey Club over a potential delayed start at Epson Downs, but the potential for extra time and penalties further adding to the complexity. The final is also being shown live on BBC.
The game has taken on extra spice by Pep Guardiola's men pursuing a Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League treble. Should they achieve it, they will match the feat only previously accomplished by their arch rivals back in 1999.
For all his success, Guardiola has only won the trophy once since taking over at City, their 6-0 win over Watford in 2019 ensuring a domestic treble. United's last final visit came back in 2016, when under Louis van Gaal, they overcame Crystal Palace 2-1.
