Didn't realise until I glanced at an article that the police interfered with the group stage draw for this tournament which is beyond ridiculous. Police insisted that Sunderland could not be drawn against Newcastle U21's, same applies with Portsmouth not being allowed to be drawn against Southampton U21's.. They should not be allowed to meddle in such ways.
Imagine the amount of police required to separate the massive amount of support that the U21 teams will bring! Bring a single vehicle and you would still be able to assign each away supporter their own police officer...
Can sort of understand it actually. The police probably think last thing they need is the potential for trouble in a meaningless cup competition. I just wish the top clubs in the greed league would sod off and play in a European league and let the rest of us enjoy our football.
The police ought to step in and arrest the clown, that devised this new format, for pinching a living. One of the few plus sides to dropping into the third tier was the opportunity to take part in a cup competition you actually have a chance of winning. Don't get me wrong, if we make the final, at Wembley, I'll be there, but unlike last time, won't look back at the journey through the rounds with fond memories. If FIFA can manage an U21s World Cup, why can't the FA organise an U21s FA Cup? The lower leagues is where the proper spit n sawdust football happens. Wish they'd leave us to get on with it.
