Row upon row of empty streets at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium provided more ammunition for the growing army of critics who claim that the FA Cup has lost its magic.
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Short on support: Boro and United play it out in front of the empty stands
(MichaelSteele/Allsport) |
Only 17,624 bothered to turn up for Boro's upset fourth-round win against the domestic game's top attraction, Manchester United, compared to twice that number who had seen the teams lock horns in the Premiership six weeks ago.
High ticket prices, a lunchtime kick-off and the match being broadcast live on Sky were all factors behind the pitiful crowd that greeted the players.
But manager Steve McClaren believes a half-full Riverside was more to do with his team's dismal current form rather than indifference toward the FA Cup.
He said: 'It's up to us to put in the performances and then I'm sure the word will spread that there is good football being played at the Riverside. More performances like that will see them flooding back here.'
Chelsea's attractive derby tie against West Ham drew only 33,443 to Stamford Bridge, virtually 9,000 below capacity.
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