Manchester City stadium decision labelled a 'robbery' as club receive flak from rivals

"Manchester City rejected an offer to play this season's FA Youth Cup Final at their opponents' Old Trafford home, after it was decided the Etihad Stadium would be unavailable to host the fixture. Manchester United supporter groups and players' families are dismayed by the decision to play the fixture at such a small venue, with demand for tickets reportedly exceeding supply."

"Typically, the game is hosted at the stadium of whichever team is drawn as the home side, but Man City have instead chosen to contest the final at their much smaller academy venue. Pep Guardiola's side still have two Premier League fixtures to play at the Etihad before the season finale in just under a fortnight, as well as a test event on May 20, however, those two matches are separated by an 11-day gap."

"Since 2000, every other host club has played the FA Youth Cup Final at their primary stadium. Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel's father Joe took to social media to share his frustration at the decision, dubbing it a 'robbery of kids' dreams'. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week."

"According to the BBC, Manchester United academy staff are 'unhappy with the situation' and the decision has left many parents annoyed with some reportedly struggling to get tickets due to the reduced capacity. An allocation just short of 1,000 has been made available to visiting supporters."

Manchester City rejected an offer to host the FA Youth Cup Final at the opponents’ Old Trafford after the Etihad Stadium was deemed unavailable. The final is scheduled for 7pm on Thursday, May 14, and will be held at City’s much smaller academy venue rather than a primary stadium. Manchester United supporter groups and players’ families expressed disappointment, citing limited seating and reported ticket demand exceeding supply. The usual tradition of playing at the home club’s main stadium has been broken, with every other host club since 2000 using its primary ground. Manchester United academy staff and parents are reported to be unhappy, and visiting supporters received an allocation just under 1,000 tickets.

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