Why Newcastle United's FA Cup Wembley dream is still on

Matt Ritchie in action for Newcastle United.

Steve Bruce’s side were due to host Manchester City at St James’s Park in the quarter-final of the FA Cup last Saturday night but all football has been suspended until at least April 30 due to the coronavirus crisis.

That date is likely to be extended further.

The Premier League and EFL hope to be able to complete the 2019-20 season later this summer, when it is safe to do so, even if that means playing games behind-closed doors.

The FA has now confirmed that they intend to keep the ‘Wembley dream alive’ for clubs with no plans to scrap the cup competitions.

An FA statement read: “With the 2019-20 Emirates FA Cup, Women’s FA Cup, Buildbase FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase all at advanced stages, we are reviewing all options as we seek to complete these competitions whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

“Clubs involved are close to reaching a major final and for those clubs and supporters we will do all we can to keep the Wembley dream alive.

“In respect of The FA Youth Cup, The FA County Youth Cup, The FA Sunday Cup and The FA Inter-League Cup, we are also seeking to complete these competitions if it is feasible to do so.

“We will also continue planning for FA competitions to take place for the 2020-21 season.”