• FA Cup

Another late kick-off for FA Cup final

ESPN staff
April 16, 2013
A late kick off was partly blamed for the violence at Wembley

Every round of the FA Cup is live on ESPN this season. Click here for details on how to subscribe

The FA Cup final will kick off at 5.15pm BST for a second successive season, the Football Association has confirmed.

The decision means fans travelling to the Wembley game between Wigan and Manchester City - being screened live by ESPN - could face a battle to return home on the day of the final.

The last train from London's Euston station to Wigan on May 11 leaves at 9pm, meaning many fans will be stranded in London if the match goes to extra-time.

Last season's final, between Chelsea and Liverpool, also kicked off at 5.15pm.

But it had been thought that this year's match could revert to its traditional 3pm Saturday kick-off, with only one other English game - Chelsea's visit to Aston Villa - being played on that day and the others taking place on Sunday.

Wigan are in the final for the first time in their history, while Manchester City, who ended their long trophy drought with victory over Stoke in 2011, are looking to lift the cup for the second time in three seasons.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close