FA Cup semi-final heartache awaits Sheffield United duo vs Man City

/ 03/19/2023

Tommy Doyle was dealt Wembley heartbreak after sending Sheffield United into the FA Cup semi-finals.

Doyle – on loan from Manchester City – struck a brilliant stoppage time winner to send Sheffield United into the last four as they beat Blackburn 3-2.

But the draw two hours later pitted the Blades against Pep Guardiola’s City – and FA rules do not allow players to face their parent club.

READ MORE:FA Cup semi-final draw confirmed as Man Utd discover potential fate before even playing

Team-mate James McAtee, also on loan from City, will sit out the match as well.

Conor Gallagher fell foul of the same rules last season when he was banned from Crystal Palace’s semi against Chelsea because he was on-loan from Stamford Bridge.

And missing out on the chance to play at Wembley will be particularly hard for Doyle to take.

Doyle admitted his lifelong dream had been to emulate his famous grandads – who both starred in Cup finals at Wembley.

Both his grandads, Mike Doyle and Glyn Pardoe, played for City in the 1969 FA Cup final and both scored in the 1970 League Cup final as well.

He will get that chance if Paul Heckingbottom’s promotion-chasing Blades can somehow cause an upset against Guardiola’s superstars.

Heckingbottom had feared what might happen when he said before the draw had been made: “My wish is that we don’t draw City and complicate that situation with the loans.”

How gutted would you be if you were forced to miss a game at Wembley? Let us know in the comments section below.

Doyle was said to be devastated last night after City confirmed he would not be able to face them.

Before the draw had been made Doyle said: “It feels amazing. To be going to Wembley is a special feeling.”

The winner of this semi-final will be back at Wembley on June 3 to face either Brighton or Manchester United in the final.

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