If Sir Alex Ferguson foresees chaos he should ask ‘FA to move their dates’ – London Marathon director reacts to Manchester United boss’…

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United

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After Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson questioned the logistics of holding their FA Cup semi-final with rivals Manchester City on the same day as the London Marathon, the Scot was issued a stern response by the race organiser.

“Our date is established well in advance and agreed with all London agencies involved,” David Bedford, director of the London Marathon, said in a statement.

“There have been clashes in the past with other events at Wembley and I suggest that if Sir Alex is that concerned he should urge the FA to move their dates.”

Wembley has played host to the semi finals since the 2008, when the FA restored the event to the capital following the competition of the new home of English football.

But with Bolton and Stoke fans also travelling down to London that weekend for semi final action – along with Arsenal hosting a Premier League fixture against Liverpool – the Red Devils chief questions whether the football authorities are considering the supporters.

“It’s going to be absolute chaos,” Ferguson told Inside United.

“I don’t think the cost of people travelling down to Wembley is considered.

“There will be 60,000 people coming down from Manchester – think about how much petrol is used for that?”

Manchester United will face Manchester City on Saturday, April 16, while Tony Pulis’ Potters lock horns with Bolton on Sunday the 17th.