...the scheduling of the FA Cup semi-final

The best day's football I can remember involved two F.A. Cup semi-finals of 1990 which were played back-to-back on a Sunday afternoon in April 1990. Chrystal Palace came from behind to beat the still mighty Liverpool 4 - 3 at Villa Park and then Oldham and Manchester United drew 3 - 3 at Maine Road. Two fabulous games which held the attention of the nation.

This year's semi-finals are being played at Wembley, which is a problem in itself as it dilutes the importance of the final - they were interviewing the victorious Manchester City players on the pitch at the end of the game as if they had won the trophy - but today's semi-final between Stoke City and Bolton Wanderers has been scheduled to kick off at the same time as the Premier League game between Liverpool and Arsenal, one of the most important games of the season.

The F.A. cup has had to suffer a great deal over the past 20 years and is no longer the great competition it once was. All the same, it shouldn't be beyond the ability of the authorities to ensure that it is the main event. Does it really have to be overshadowed by the Premier League, even on semi-final day?