THE FA on Thursday again defended its decision to stage both FA Cup semi-finals at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium as they announced who plays when.

Arsenal's FA Cup semi-final against Blackburn will kick off at 12.15pm on Saturday, April 16 while the other semi between Newcastle and Manchester United has a 2pm start on Sunday, April 17

Newcastle's progress to the UEFA Cup quarter-finals means their game has to be on the Sunday because the Magpies will have been involved in a European match on the previous Thursday night.

FA communications director Adrian Bevington said: "The kick-off times are always set after full consultation with the police and other safety authorities, and with safety and security considerations given the highest importance.

"We have taken a responsible decision bearing in mind these issues and the travel arrangements for fans from the four competing clubs.

"The decision to play this season's semi-finals in Cardiff was announced in September last year. Using the Millennium Stadium will allow around 30,000 fans from each club to attend the matches, which is more than at any stadium in England.

"Cardiff has proved to be a very popular venue with fans in the past, and we can look forward to two fantastic matches with great atmospheres."