https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/29966297
The FA Cup Final kicked off today, May 15th, at 17.15 (5.15pm) It coincided with a weekly ZOOM meeting that we have with our old buddies, a weekly fixture, settled nicely before dinner, so an aperitif might be consumed while we chat. Today there is a clash!
For some fans, the later kick off does allow the Midland supporters to get to Wembley, without too much stress "on the day". No overnight accommodation needed or hectic driving early on the day. It may be, of course, an inconvenient time, especially for the "visitors" who need to catch a train or drive back to the Midlands. It could be a long day.
Playing under lights at Wembley, of course, is a bit special, so later kick offs might be favourable, but this creates a bigger issue about getting home later. If your team has won, it doesn't matter; if you have lost, then it could be a miserable evening, trudging through the traffic on the North Circular/M25/M1.
The earliest FA Cup Final in 1872 kicked off at 3.05pm. I am not sure why the specific time? In 1873, it was decided to kick off at 11.30am, to prevent a clash with The Boat Race on the Thames. Wet Bobs v Dry Bobs?? That may have been the answer!
The late 19th Century kick offs were set around 3 o'clock but at curiously "accurate times" such as 1875 3.36pm, 1878 3.40pm, in 1879 it was 3.27pm so I reckon this was very much on the referee's watch, rather than a specific time so as he blew his whistle, kit all began.
When the Old Carthusians won their FA Cup Final v The Royal Engineers in 1881, it was a 3.45pm start, blown by the referee, W.Pierce Dix. This was the last time two "amateur" clubs played out the final, won by the Old Boys of Charterhouse 3-0.
In 1882 the ko was 3.05pm and the Old Etonians beat Blackburn Rovers 1-0. Lord Kinnaird, an FA President, led the charge! Amateurs v Professionals.
In 1883, @ 3.34pm. won by Blackburn Olympic 2 v Old Etonians 1. The first "northern club" to take away the cup. The FA President, Major Marindin, presented the cup in public, the first time this happened.
In 1885 Blackburn Rovers (pros) beat Queen's Park (Scotland) 2-0, QP were still amateurs.The previous year the two met and Rovers won 2-1. QP had joined the English FA, because the Scottish FA did not allow their clubs to take part in the FA Cup. By 1886 it was the pros; Blackburn Rovers 0 WBA 0 with Rovers winning the replay 2-0.
In 1915 The Khaki Cup Final was played at Old Trafford between Sheffield Utd 3-0 Chelsea-not everyone agreed that this should happen due to the War effort.
In 1923, the first Final to be held at Wembley, the ko was planned for 3pm but an overspilling crowd delayed this plan by 45 minutes. Kick offs were mainly mid-afternoon, including the 1939 Final ko 3pm. Portsmouth 4 v Wolves 1.
No Cup was played for between 1940 and 1945. The 1946 ko was at Wembley 3pm: Derby 4 Charlton 1. From then on 3pm.
1988 3pm; 1990 3pm; 1991 3pm; 1999 3pm; 2005 3.00pm; 2007 3pm; 2008 3pm; 2009 4pm; 2011 3pm; 2013 5pm; 2014 5pm; 2015 5.30pm. 2017 5.30pm. After this much depends on the TV contracts!
I think the Leicester City win was a bit special!
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