FULHAM are sixth in the Premier League and tonight they could reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the first time in 13 years when they face Leeds at home.
And yet Craven Cottage, sold out for every league match this season, will have thousands of empty seats.
With the match televised live on BBC, that is an embarrassment for the club and a hindrance to boss Marco Silva and his team, while several journalists will write misguided pieces about the Cup losing its pulling power.
But when you charge a minimum £40 per adult to punters who have already shelled out for season tickets, that is what you’ll get.
There is a cost-of-living crisis, even in ‘posh’ Fulham.
Clubs cannot take supporters for mugs and assume loyalty is limitless.
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Silva has enjoyed a superb return to the Premier League – with a whopping tally of 39 points from 25 games.
That sees the Cottagers above Liverpool as well as West London rivals Brentford and Chelsea as we approach the business end.
But knowing he can take his side within 90 minutes of Wembley with victory over Leeds, the Portuguese boss is determined to make it through – even if the stadium is far from full.
Silva said: “It’s really important for us, this competition, and we really want to play the quarter-final. That’s what we want.
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“Of course, I know that Leeds wants the same as us, for sure.
“They come here with the aim to go through in the competition, but we are playing at home and we really want to be in the next round.
“Right now nothing will disturb our focus from the FA Cup match.
“Our position in the table can probably give us more confidence.
“It will be a proper cup tie, in my opinion, two good teams that want to go through. It will be a tough match.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
