Why FA are breaching TV blackout rules for Man City vs. Sheffield United
Man City vs. Sheffield United kicked off at 4:45pm.
The FA were forced to breach their own TV blackout rules for the FA Cup semi-final tie between Manchester City and Sheffield United.
Man City vs. Sheff United kicked off at 4:45pm, which clashed with the 2:45pm-5:15pm blackout period.
The proposed kick-off time was 5:30pm to meet the TV blackout criteria.
However, the FA were forced to breach their own blackout rules due to police advice.
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Local police told them the fixture on Saturday could not kick-off any later than 4:45pm on safety grounds.
A spokesperson for the FA said: "The kick-off times for our fixtures are scheduled in collaboration with the clubs, local authorities, police, and broadcasters.
"We were informed by the police and local safety advisory group that 16.45 was the latest time possible for this tie."
It won't be the only time Man City are televised during the TV blackout period as their Premier League showdown against Leeds United on Saturday, May 6 is due to kick-off at 3pm.
The decision has been made so Man City vs. Leeds doesn't clash with the King Charles III's coronation.
The game, which will be broadcasted by Sky Sports, had to be moved back due to the club's involvement in the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola's side face Real Madrid for a spot in the Champions League final following their 4-1 aggregate victory over Bayern Munich.
Topics: Manchester City, Football
Nasir Jabbar