Liverpool midfielder, Jordan Henderson has criticized the Football Association’s decision not to move the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and the Reds from Wembley Stadium.

The FA had refused to move Liverpool’s next month’s FA Cup semi-final tie against Man City from Wembley to a northern ground, despite travel chaos, although it will put on 100 free coaches for fans.

Fans face travel chaos after it emerged trains would not be running into London from the northwest over the Easter weekend when the FA Cup semi-final games will take place.

And Henderson, who wants the FA Cup semi-final to be played in a neutral ground and not Wembley, believes the FA’s decision is ‘disappointing’ as it will hit a lot of supporters financially, adding that it is not ideal for the fans.

The England international said, as quoted by the Mirror: “It is really disappointing to see that it is a struggle and it is going to be expensive for them [fans] to get there. I have been thinking a bit more about the fans. I think in many ways it is their day and not being able to get down to London for different reasons – the cost of that.

So in my head, it would make sense to change it to a neutral (different) venue, especially with it being two teams from the north-west. It is disappointing for the fans and I know the FA might be changing kick-off time to try and help and also putting coaches on for the fans to get down for both Liverpool and City fans, which hopefully helps. But yes, it is not ideal for the fans for sure.”

He added, “I love playing at Wembley. I think it’s a fantastic occasion, a fantastic stadium.

“But I would like to keep Wembley for finals. I think you should play semi-finals at a neutral ground like it used to be. I think that was quite exciting, quite good, and then obviously the final at Wembley to make it extra special.”