United Kingdom, Apr 12: Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has accused the Football Association of trying to scupper his side's chance of Cup glory. Warnock was furious after his side were denied the opportunity to train at Old Trafford as they prepare to take on Arsenal in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final.
And he claimed it was typical of the FA's mentality to discriminate against the smaller sides. "We asked if we could train at the ground, but I was disappointed the FA would not allow us to do so," said Warnock.
"They declined our application. They said it wasn't in their nature to do that, so I was disappointed, especially with Arsenal playing down there a few weeks ago (in the fifth round).

"It is a different surface to what we are used to, so I felt training there would help us and give us an advantage.
"I felt it was only right. But you expect that when you are a lesser club. You don't get much help do you? The FA have told us that it is not within their remit to give us permission to train on the pitch before the game."



But FA spokesman Paul Newman denied any bias, saying: "Any team competing in the semi-final or final of any FA competition are not allowed to train at the stadium.



"That rule applies not only to the FA Cup, but also to the women's FA Cup, the FA Trophy and the FA Vase. All teams competing in the semi-finals and final of these competitions are made aware of this."



Warnock admitted it would be the "result of this century and last" if the Blades did beat Arsene Wenger's side. "It would be the biggest upset of the last 100 years if we were to beat Arsenal on Sunday," he added.


Bureau Report