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Bradford City
FA Cup | Quarter-Finals
Mar 7, 2015 at 12.45pm UK
 
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Steve Clarke: 'FA Cup replay date devalues competition'

Steve Clarke says that the FA is "devaluing" the FA Cup by arranging Reading's replay against Bradford City just two days after a league match.

Steve Clarke has accused the Football Association of "devaluing" the FA Cup, following news that Reading's quarter-final replay against Bradford City will be played on a Monday evening due to UEFA rules.

UEFA rules state that domestic matches cannot be played at the same time as continental fixtures so the teams must play their replays just two days after important league matches.

"I think the FA are devaluing the competition a little bit by making both teams play on Saturday then Monday. Why don't they just play it [on Tuesday or Wednesday] - what are UEFA going to do?," Clarke told Sky Sports News.

"I love the FA Cup and everything it stands for.

"Bradford's run to this point has been amazing and all that romance is there but the FA choose to make both teams play on a Monday. That is the one disappointment."

Reading were held to a 0-0 draw by Bradford City, and the teams will meet again on March 16.

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Reading manager Steve Clarke during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Reading at The Amex Stadium on December 26, 2014
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