FA to offer free return buses to Man City - Liverpool cup semi-final
It comes after weeks of controversy over the travel arrangements
The Football Association will provide 100 free buses to fans of Manchester City and Liverpool for the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley next month.
It comes after controversy over the travel arrangements for fans of the two North West teams.
Engineering work on the weekend of the 16th April means there are no direct trains between Liverpool, Manchester and London.
Fan groups and the Labour Party had both backed calls for a change of venue to allow spectators to more easily travel to the game without the need for an expensive overnight stay.
But now the Football Association is poised to offer a 'limited' number of free return bus services, providing transport for both the FA Cup and Women's FA Cup semis at Wembley.
They will set off from Anfield and the Etihad respectively, providing transort for up to 5,000 supporters.
In a statement, the FA also said: "We are working with our partners at National Highways to ensure that the road networks are running as efficiently as possible over the Easter period.
"Hundreds of miles of unessential roadworks will be put on hold to help supporters enjoy the occasion and enhance their journeys, and these motorists are encouraged to make sure that their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off."
Footballing authorities have resisted calls to change the venue to somewhere up north, despite several weeks of pressure from local leaders.
In a joint letter, Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotherham wrote fans had been put in "an unfair position" facing "excessive cost and inconvenience".
The letter read: "Without quick, direct trains, many people will be left with no option but to drive, fly, make overly complex rail journeys or book overnight accommodation.
"When you factor in the rising costs of fuel, it is clear that supporters of both clubs attending this game will face excessive cost and inconvenience - and that is before any environmental impact is considered.
"There are also significant logistical and safety considerations. With thousands of fans making the long journey south, there will be huge numbers converging on the M6, which is likely to be stretched to capacity by bank holiday traffic.
"A single accident would risk the entire motorway being brought to a standstill and fans missing the kick-off.
"Over the last year, we have heard the slogan 'football without fans is nothing' many times. If this decision is left to stand, and people are either priced out of this game or unable to attend for other reasons, those words will be meaningless to many."