Labour have joined calls for the FA to move the location of the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Liverpool from Wembley Stadium.
Concerns have been voiced by supporters from both clubs over public transport issues preventing supporters from travelling down to London for the game. The semi-finals of the domestic cup competition are to take place over Easter weekend, April 16 and 17.
However, Network Rail are planning engineering works meaning trains will not be running to the capital. Commenting on the situation, Labour said: "Labour is today calling for the Liverpool v Manchester City semi-final next month to be moved, as railway works mean it will be impossible for fans to travel to the match.
ALSO READ: Man City to subsidise Wembley travel for Liverpool FA Cup semi-final
"The hotly-anticipated make-or-break fixture between two Premier League title-winners is at risk of having few fans from either team, as engineering works at London Euston and Milton Keynes mean travelling to and from the match will be practically impossible." Labour's Shadow Culture Secretary, Lucy Powell, also wrote to the FA regarding the situation.
She wrote in her letter: "In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, fans shouldn't have to struggle to pay extra costs for expensive travel or overnight stays to attend the Wembley match. It should be a priority for the FA to ensure that fans are not excluded from attending this game due to the difficulty of travel."
Today it was announced by City that coaches are being partially subsidised for fans wishing to attend the match. An initial 50 coaches have been secured for the fixture costing £40 per person, a saving of £15 per supporter.
Sign up to our City newsletter so you never miss an update from the Etihad Stadium this season.
