'It's a real blip': Heartache for Leeds United fans after Wembley FA Cup loss
It was heartache for Leeds United fans back home in the city centre after the club’s FA Cup dream was over.
Leeds United’s first FA Cup semi-final appearance for 39 years ultimately ended in a defeat as a first half header from Enzo Fernandez gave Chelsea a 1-0 victory and a place in the final against Manchester City.
But despite the disappointment the feeling was clear from fans – they’re still proud of the club for making it to the semi-final of the FA Cup.
As thousands of fans made the trek to Wembley for the match, the party atmosphere continued back home in Leeds as they watched the match that was almost four decades in the making.
The Yorkshire Evening Post was out and about in the city centre speaking to fans today to get their reaction.
Musty and Leigh are friends who had been watching the game in the O2 Academy fanzone.
They said: “Everyone was still singing to the end and it was a great atmosphere even though we were losing.
“It’s one of them things, they took their chances and we didn’t.
“Cup runs make cities come alive, look at how many people have come out because of the semi-final.”
Musty added: “In Farke we trust!”
Sam and Gary are strangers who met today as Leeds United played in the semi-final.
Sam said: “I love this team but did it put you through the ringer. This is a real blip but we will come again.”
They felt particularly disappointed because Leeds United has had a string of success this past year.
Sam said: “We had a really good run this year, it felt like the football gods were on our side until today.
“The football gods are laughing at us.”
Becky, Steph, Dani, Kamil, and Kevin, are a group of friends who came to watch the game in the O2 Academy fan zone.
Kitted in their best Leeds United shirts and proudly carrying a flag, they said they feel “electric” that Leeds United made their way to the FA Cup semi-final for the first time in almost 40 years.
Merchandise trader Woody spent the afternoon selling yellow, white, and blue scarves, hats, and pins in the sun.
He himself has supported Leeds United since the 1980s when his granddad was a chauffeur for club legend Don Revie.
Woody said: “It’s given us confidence in the League.”
Friends Brooklyn and Jesse chose to watch the semi-final at the O2 Academy fanzone.
They feel extremely proud that Leeds United have made their way all the way to Wembley Stadium.
Jesse said: “It’s great to see us at Wembley again.”
Merchandise trader Woody has spent his afternoon selling yellow, white, and blue scarves, hats, and pins in the sun.
He himself has supported Leeds United since the ‘80s when his granddad was a chauffeur for club legend Don Revie.
Though apprehensive, Woody felt assured Leeds would win, but no matter the score he thinks the semi-final appearance has boosted club morale.
Woody said: “It’s given us confidence in the League.”
Friends Jay and Dave decided to head to the Moot Hall Arms, a place they said has a “brilliant atmosphere” for football fans.
Both have supported Leeds United for decades and their favourite memories of the club are from the Bielsa era.
They felt “excited” and “nervous” for the semi-final but
Jay said: “We’re proud they’ve got this far, they’ve done well.
“(The achievement) is massive, it’s been 39 years since we’ve done it.”
Dave added: “We’re proud they’ve got this far, they’ve done well.”