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EXCLUSIVE: Television blackout once again lifted for FA Cup semi-finals as police deny the FA 5:30 kick-off time for the first clash of the weekend at Wembley between Manchester City and Sheffield United

The FA has been forced to lift their Saturday television blackout for the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Sheffield United because of police advice.

City's game against the Championship side at Wembley on April 22 will kick-off at 4:45pm, which clashes with the 2:45pm-5:15pm blackout period. It will be shown on ITV1.

The FA are thought to have wanted a 5:30pm start, as has often been the case for Saturday semi-finals, but were told by police that the game could kick-off no later than 4:45pm on safety grounds.

It means the police and local safety advisory group have effectively made the FA breach the blackout rules, which have been in place since the 1960s and is largely designed to protect attendances in the lower leagues.