The Women’s FA changes the Liverpool-Arsenal game to an earlier kick off to benefit the home fans

When Liverpool Women drew Arsenal in the fifth round of the FA cup the fans were excited about hosting the Women Super League leaders.

However, it didn’t all go to plan when this fixture fell on the same day as Chelsea v Liverpool men in the final of the Carabao Cup.

The fans asked the club whether the game could be rearranged to another date due to travelling fans also going to Wembley. A 2pm kick off at Prenton Park – where Liverpool women play – and then a 4:30pm kick off at Wembley just wouldn’t have been enough time.

Fans didn’t want to have to choose which game to watch and the club didn’t want the women’s attendance to be affected, especially for such a big game.

The Women’s FA listened to these complaints and looked into changing the fixture to another date – despite the fact all FA Cup games are supposed to be played on the same day,.

Due to Arsenal’s tight schedule, however, they weren’t able to rearrange the game to another date.

The FA came to the conclusion with both clubs that they would move the game forward to a 12pm kick off, so although fans might not be able to go to both games they’d be able to watch one on TV.

The change wasn’t what Liverpool fans originally hoped for but it meant they could support both teams.

Jo Goodall, who runs Liverpool Women Supporters Club, went to Wembley to watch Jurgen Klopp’s men’s team beat Chelsea on penalties.

She said: “Personally I am very glad the club requested the game day change and although it couldn’t happen, I know a lot of us are happy that they could push forward the game time.”

The change of kick off didn’t help the team’s fortunes though – Matt Beard’s women were beaten 4-0 by WSL leaders Arsenal.