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Please submit your questions for Barney Ronay.
Our chief sports activities author will probably be alongside later.
You may remark beneath along with your questions or electronic mail matchday reside.
Right here is Barney’s piece about Eze from after Palace’s quarter-final win at Fulham:
The Arsenal supervisor Mikel Arteta believes the Premier League’s Massive Six period is over. The Gunners face Newcastle of their remaining dwelling match on Sunday with each vying for a Champions League place. A win on the Emirates would take Eddie Howe’s facet second.
With Manchester Metropolis scrambling to salvage a top-five spot, and Manchester United and Tottenham counting on Europa League success, Arteta stated: “The extent has gone to one thing larger than what we’ve got skilled within the earlier 12 months and up to now.
“I do know plenty of the coaches and we’ve got had discussions about that, and it’s scary the best way that it’s evolving, and the way aggressive it’s, and the way troublesome it’s to win, and since the margins are so small subsequent season goes to be much more troublesome.
“In case you ask any supervisor on the finish of the season: ‘Are you able to promise to be within the Champions League subsequent season?’, I don’t know who’s going to say ‘sure’ to that, in order that tells you the story.
“We perceive the expectations and the way individuals assume however to get sustainability, stability and to be in the absolute best place as a soccer membership, as a squad and as a crew, you definitely need to be in that competitors.”
On which notice …
That is the true FA Cup remaining quiz:
A big FA Cup reproduction trophy, contained in the tunnel at Wembley, has been scribbled on by fan with good luck messages for his or her groups.
“Carry it dwelling to Fats Boy SE25” is one such message.
“Getting my 1990 palace shirt on as I rise up in frosty Patagonia,” emails Jeremy.
“What I bear in mind in regards to the 2016 remaining is that the referee denied Palace one or perhaps even two goalscoring alternatives by not enjoying an apparent benefit. Mateta and Sarr be careful ! COYP.”
Too variety Tom, thanks.
Let’s get again to the followers’ view, continued from earlier:
How would you sum up their membership in a sentence?
Lloyd Scragg: “Likeable, rooted in working-class tradition, usually the bridesmaid – however a membership with renewed hope and momentum below a improbable supervisor.”
Chris Waters: “Hmm, sorry Lloyd, I’ll wrestle to be so beneficiant. I’d say Metropolis are a state-funded membership at a tipping level; they could possibly be an actual menace subsequent season, or mired in authorized hell.”
LS: “Truthfully I believe it’s reductive to label Metropolis as ‘state-funded’ and ignore our historical past earlier than 2008. The core of Metropolis’s match-going fanbase is of course nonetheless working-class Mancunians, regardless of the membership’s efforts to erode that.”
Proper, my reign of terror is over. I’ll hand you again to the more-capable-than-me arms of Luke McLaughlin.
Has there ever been an FA Cup remaining single that’s not cringe? Effectively, Doc Brown might need lastly have managed to make a very good one.
Returning to our FA Cup remaining sit-down with Lloyd Scragg (Metropolis) and Chris Waters (Palace).
What do you reckon their weak hyperlink is?
LS: “I assume it comes down as to if or not Wharton is match. Hughes has achieved a sterling job this season, however Wharton could be an enormous loss. I’d additionally take a look at Mitchell, who lacks Muñoz’s depth and attacking menace – and I believe he could be received at defensively.”
CW: “Unsure there’s one for Metropolis – maybe their mobility in midfield in the event that they do play ‘the uncs’ as you name them! However De Bruyne at all times has a stormer in opposition to us anyway. Their power off the bench is scary too. Calling out Mitchell is an attention-grabbing one – many Palace followers would do the identical – however once more he has been enjoying very effectively the previous few weeks.”
Rangers have taken the lead at Hibs, Cyriel Dessers with a objective after two minutes. Comply with all of the reside scores right here.
Quick begin on the Cherry Crimson Data Stadium (Plough Lane, to you and me), Josh Neufville has put the house facet forward after two minutes and the Dons now have a 2-0 lead on mixture.
We have now just a few 12.30pm kick-offs as we speak forward of occasions Wembley. Within the Scottish Premiership, Celtic acquired a guard of honour from St Mirren, Dundee United are taking up Aberdeen and Hibs hosti Rangers. The second leg of the League Two playoff semi-final between Wimbledon and Notts County can be underway. Comply with these scores reside right here.
Placing petty rivalries apart, Palace fan Wayne Riches has emailed in highlighting the optimistic impression his soccer membership has had in robust occasions:
On approach to Wembley with my daughter, sister and future brother in regulation. Because of this Palace are such a particular membership. In 2016, my dad and I went to the ultimate. Sadly we had misplaced my mum two months earlier than and the day I might purchase tickets was the day of her funeral. Palace allowed me to purchase my tickets the day earlier than. Sadly we’ve got now misplaced my dad. If we win as we speak goes to imply a lot.
Palace additionally accomplish that a lot for neuro variety as effectively. They’ve a specifically designed space for neuro numerous people which makes such a distinction.
I used to be not conscious of the neuro numerous space at Selhurst Park, that may be a improbable initiative. Extra like this please and better of luck as we speak, Wayne.
I completely refuse to consider that is from a Brighton fan.
Brighton fan, rooting for Palace, no query. They given a lot leisure and thrilling soccer this season. Let the eagles soar!
Good day, expensive reader, sadly you must put with me for a short time… so, anybody else rooting for Metropolis?
Right here’s the case: a win for Palace kills one other aspect of drama within the already very useless rubber remaining two video games within the Premier League. Brentford, Brighton, Bournemouth and Fulham are all nonetheless in with a shout of European soccer, until Palace win. Why would you need much less drama? Insult me beneath the road or through the e-mail above.
I’m off for a little bit of lunch, Tom Bassam is moving into the breach.
Right here’s our information story on Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen signing for Actual Madrid:
Earlier than this season Manchester Metropolis have performed at the least one remaining – excluding the Neighborhood Protect – in all however two of Pep Guardiola’s eight campaigns as supervisor. Together with the Neighborhood Protect, Metropolis have reached a remaining in all however one season (2016-17, Guardiola’s first) since 2009-10.
That contrasts with Crystal Palace, who’ve solely contested a serious trophy twice of their historical past, reaching – and shedding – the FA Cup remaining in 1990 and in 2016, in opposition to Manchester United on each events. In playoff finals their report is spectacular. Palace have been promoted to the highest flight through the playoff remaining thrice within the Premier League period (although they misplaced the 1995-96 Division One play-off remaining in opposition to Leicester). (Guardian Sport)
(As somebody who goes to Selhurst Park pretty ceaselessly, I agree with Lloyd’s level about it being a pleasingly old-school venue.)
Again to our FA Cup remaining sit-down with Lloyd Scragg and Chris Waters, Metropolis and Palace followers respectively.
What do you consider their followers?
LS: “Palace have nice followers. I’ve at all times admired them. I do know different followers are snobby in regards to the Holmesdale ultras however I just like the vitality they convey. Selhurst is one the perfect away grounds: a correct old-school, throwback expertise within the sanitised Premier League.”
CW: “Tough one … Judging by all of the empty seats on the Etihad, their conventional fanbase can’t really feel all that near this undertaking. There’s a form of disconnect which we’re fortunate to not have; our followers raised £45k for the tifo at Wembley as we speak. This sport merely means so much, lot extra to us.”
LS: “It’s a straightforward trope to level to the empty seats on the Etihad. Most match-going Metropolis followers I do know aren’t disillusioned with the footballing undertaking, however they’re relating to the membership’s method to ticketing; fan protests on the Etihad final month in the end led to a worth freeze. Additionally keep in mind this will probably be our thirty first journey to Wembley since 2011. It’s a really costly time out!”
Palace have the complete nation on their facet as we speak, excluding Manchester Metropolis followers, and this is not hatred of Manchester Metropolis, I like watching Pep’s crew, however a change within the winner is what all of us need, and want.
Even a number of the Metropolis followers, it appears, wouldn’t be completely averse to a Palace victory:
“As a Man Metropolis fan I do not likely thoughts if Crystal Palace win,” emails John Rudd. “It’s getting more and more tougher to rejoice victory as a Cityzen. With our possession and now all these prices. Each victory appears hole. It’s laborious to elucidate, I like my crew and smile after we win but it surely looks as if it might all be taken away very shortly. Now Kevin is on the best way out. What does the long run maintain for our membership?”
Query two. Why ought to neutrals again your membership?
LS: “I can’t fake any impartial will need Metropolis to win – perhaps simply the golf equipment chasing Convention League qualification. There’s no level in me making an attempt to persuade anybody.”
Truthful reply, very reasonable.
CW: “Need to agree … no soccer fan I’ve spoken to within the buildup needs Metropolis to win given their latest historical past (although I assume I don’t converse to many Brighton or Millwall followers). However it’s no actual selection for neutrals: we’ve by no means received a trophy, and Palace successful this may be a large increase to the overwhelming majority whose golf equipment aren’t funded by nation states. It’d imply the world; coming into European competitors off the again of it will be the cherry on high.”
First query: How are you feeling in regards to the remaining?
Llloyd Scragg: “Not too assured to be trustworthy … Our draw in opposition to Southampton, who had two clear sheets in 47 video games, stated all of it about our inconsistency. It is a way more dysfunctional, passive crew than we’ve seen earlier than below Guardiola. Recently he’s leaned into enjoying the “uncs” (KDB, Gundo, Bernardo, Kovacic) once more, who most followers blamed for the winter struggles – however there was an enchancment. We’re all only a bit nervous about his alternatives.”
Chris Waters: “For us it’s simply large pleasure. We had a few latest thrashings, however the best way we destroyed each Villa and Spurs has given us hope. We’re apparent underdogs, however we do have match winners; if Metropolis go gung-ho there’s an opportunity. We had been millmetres from being 3-0 up on the Etihad in April earlier than we misplaced our heads. Glasner received’t make that tactical mistake once more.”
And for Palace: Chris Waters, 50, @clapham_grand over on X.
First match attended? “Our 3-1 Coca-Cola Cup quarter-final win over Chelsea in 1993. The Selhurst mud performed a key half.”
Greatest match attended: “The poogate play-off semi-final win over Brighton in 2013. Magical.”
Let’s step it up a gear. We’ve had a chat with a Manchester Metropolis fan and a Crystal Palace fan to gauge how they’re feeling about as we speak’s massive match.
Stepping up for Metropolis is Lloyd Scragg, 30, who you could find on X @lloyd_scragg or at 9320pod.com.
First match Lloyd attended? “Metropolis 2-0 Blackburn at Maine Street in 1999. Richard Edgehill and Jeff Whitley scored for us. Heritage.”
Greatest match attended? “Metropolis 3-2 QPR in 2012. I believe that one speaks for itself.”

Jacob Steinberg
In non-FA Cup information, Chelsea are one in every of quite a few groups monitoring the Leicester centre-back Ben Nelson. The 21-year-old has spent the season on mortgage at Oxford United and is very rated. Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach, gave Nelson his debut at Leicester final season.
Bournemouth’s Huijsen indicators for Actual Madrid
The Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen has agreed to affix Actual Madrid. The Spanish membership have activated a £50 million launch clause.
The information has been confirmed on Bournemouth’s web site.
“AFC Bournemouth can affirm that defender Dean Huijsen will be part of Actual Madrid following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season,” reads the story on the Cherries’ official web site.
“The centre-back, who joined the Cherries from Juventus final summer season, has been instrumental within the membership’s record-breaking marketing campaign, which has seen Andoni Iraola’s facet already break their highest factors tally within the Premier League.”
Right here’s a very good shot of Eberechi Eze, by the Guardian’s Tom Jenkins, throughout Palace’s fifth-round win in opposition to Millwall on 1 March.
That day, in fact, was dominated by the early problem by Liam Roberts, Millwall’s goalkeeper, on Jean-Philippe Mateta. The goalie was proven a purple card and Mateta later required a number of stitches to a wound on his ear after one of the vital reckless and harmful tackles soccer has seen.
Mateta required prolonged therapy earlier than being carried off on a stretcher.
Millwall competed effectively with 10 males, and Wes Harding scored on the stroke of half time to make it 2-1. However Eddie Nketiah (left) scored Palace’s third objective in a 3-1 win.
You may electronic mail any ideas to our matchday reside electronic mail tackle.
You can even remark beneath the road.
Don’t overlook: Barney Ronay will probably be answering your questions this afternoon. Please ship in any questions for Barney through the matchday reside electronic mail or within the feedback.
In case you have not learn Jonathan Liew’s interview with Will Hughes but, don’t miss it. There’s some fascinating stuff in there. For instance:
“On the ball, scary,” Hughes says of Adam Wharton. “Ranges above what I’m. Among the issues he does – how he’s seen that? There’s no stats for a number of the stuff he does: breaking apart play, passing by the traces …
“I’ve at all times had that grit,” he says. “It’s gone out of the sport a bit now, it seems like each deal with now’s a possible reserving. However that’s on gamers as effectively, making a meal out of each single foul.
“I hate VAR, I completely hate it,” he says. “I simply assume it’s ridiculous when an official has to take a look at it 10 occasions. There’s clearly a line of endangering the opponent, however I believe 90% of them [red-card tackles] are subjective.”
Additionally final month, the Belgian maestro stated he was stunned to not be provided a brand new deal by Manchester Metropolis:
Kevin De Bruyne. Helluva participant, isn’t he? Wasn’t he?
Final month, Jonathan Liew wrote about his impending departure from Manchester Metropolis, and why it marks the top of period:
Everton’s new dwelling at Bramley-Moore dock will probably be referred to as Hill Dickinson Stadium, the membership has introduced, after a naming rights take care of the industrial regulation agency.
Everton have been searching for a naming rights accomplice for his or her £800m stadium for a while and had hoped to draw a blue-chip firm to their spectacular improvement on the banks of the Mersey. They’ve signed a long-term take care of Hill Dickinson, which was based in Liverpool in 1810 and has expanded into Europe and Asia lately.
Brian Glanville dies aged 93
Brian Glanville, whose insightful soccer writing had a profound affect on generations of reporters and readers alike, has died aged 93.
A novelist and revered columnist, Glanville was a prolific commentator on his beloved sport, a passionate chronicler of Italian soccer and writer of a few of soccer’s most influential books.
FA Cup glory v Champions League qualification. What’s going to Pep be considering?
With Chelsea and Villa’s outcomes final evening, Guardiola certainly has a choice to make with their robust sport in opposition to Bournemouth on Tuesday. Does he go all out and doubtlessly threat harm / restoration time for the likes of De Bruyne and so on. Absolutely his paymasters would like the Champions League spot for apparent causes. This all factors in direction of a Palace win and I believe it is solely honest.
Plus some pure FA Cup love:
Palace are effectively in with an opportunity in the event that they play to their potential, ought to be a very good remaining and attention-grabbing on the very least.
I nonetheless love the FA Cup and at all times will, i should be one of many diehards however better of luck to each units of followers.
“They aren’t actually good at something,” stated the Sky pundit Roy Keane of Manchester United after their 1-0 defeat by Chelsea final evening. “This concept they will do one thing this summer season … The times of everybody desirous to go to Man United, these days are gone.
“Even the followers right here tonight: I don’t assume they’re indignant anymore. There’s simply an acceptance.”

Rob Davies
Controversial “dynamic pricing” has arrived in English soccer, the Guardian can reveal, after an organization backed by sports activities stars together with the England males’s soccer captain, Harry Kane, charged greater than £3,000 for 2 seats on the FA Cup remaining.
Seat Distinctive, which sells VIP hospitality packages for occasions, has received endorsements and even monetary backing from skilled athletes and sports activities groups, promising to ship “distinctive, genuine experiences to followers”.
However the London-based firm has been accused of performing “like a ticket tout” after it slashed the worth of Cup remaining hospitality tickets shortly after a buyer had purchased a pair to cheer up her football-mad nephew.
Salako, Martyn, Shiny, Pardew … all of them received caught in and sang the particular Crystal Palace FA Cup Ultimate model of “Glad All Over” again in 1990:

Jamie Jackson
Good day from bucolic Hilton Park Providers and a primary pitstop midway to Wembers from Cheshire. To this point, on the 1hr 25min trip, just one Manchester Metropolis flag streaming from the again window of a automotive has been noticed.
Having learn Ed Aaron’s’ glorious piece on Oliver Glasner and the way good the Palace No 1 is, I might not be stunned in the event that they do a quantity on Metropolis.
However Erling Haaland is again following a lay off and a contemporary The Phenomenon is a bullocking, barnstorming nightmare for defences. And he’s but to attain for Metropolis in a serious remaining …

Ed Aarons
Crystal Palace supporters will probably be hoping it’s not a foul omen. Oliver Glasner often enjoys a post-press convention pastry and even talked about his penchant for the danishes on show on the membership’s coaching floor in Beckenham on Friday as he ready to face Manchester Metropolis within the FA Cup remaining.
Requested whether or not he was feeling nervous in regards to the sport, the Austrian stated his thoughts was on his abdomen. “No, I’m trying ahead to my pastry,” he stated. “I’ve been answering so many questions.”
Glasner was reassured that two remained, after which revealed his intention to put on a go well with for the buildup at Wembley earlier than becoming the fortunate black jumper he has worn for the previous 5 matches since Palace had been thrashed 5-0 by Newcastle final month. They’ve remained unbeaten in all 5, together with the semi-final win over Aston Villa at Wembley.
“After successful a trophy I modify my outfit so I hope that it’s the final sport for the jumper,” stated Glasner, who led Eintracht Frankfurt to the Europa League in 2022.
There was panic among the many Palace workers because the press convention completed and so they realised there have been no pastries left. One workers member even tried to discover a fast substitute, but it surely was too late. No person admitted to taking the final one regardless of Glasner’s makes an attempt to search out the wrongdoer. “I’ll have one later,” he stated. Ed Aarons
Solely two weeks to go. That’s the mantra. Two extra weeks to endure the acquainted trauma of logging on to the fantasy soccer app, selecting a crew, celebrating the clever choices which have led you to create an unbeatable unit, watching the weekend’s soccer disabuse you of this notion, then repeating the entire thing once more.
It’s imagined to be a sport, however Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is extra like a life-style. Or a second job. And even precisely like being an expert footballer: the main target, willpower and relentless dedication ought to actually be rewarded with a weekly wage, ideally within the 5 figures. However no, as a substitute we’ve got to make do with a short look of a inexperienced arrow subsequent to our crew title or, extra probably, a purple one.
As for Wharton, I used to be on the latest Palace v Forest Premier League encounter, and his studying of the sport and accuracy/velocity of move was extraordinarily spectacular. Actually it will have been a lot tougher to envisage a Palace win had that ankle knock stored him out of the ultimate.
I’m unsure why everyone seems to be making Metropolis robust favourites, once they can’t rating and are so weak to the quick counterattacks that Palace are so good at. Metropolis will most likely play with attacking midfielders at full again, and have already been ripped aside on the wings by Palace twice this season.
This might go both manner. I hope it’s a cracker.
Will feedback be open early on Wednesday AM so individuals can bombard the unlucky whoever is manning the keyboard with how in heck did the 2 finalists get this far?
Very unhappy information about Brian Glanville passing. Top-of-the-line soccer journalists ever.

Jamie Jackson
The measure of Manchester Metropolis’s class is that they’ve an opportunity of claiming the FA Cup in Saturday’s Wembley showpiece regardless of a troubled marketing campaign that includes serial harm, an insipid title defence, Champions League playoff-stage elimination by Actual Madrid and the mid-season departure of the captain, Kyle Walker, on mortgage.
Oliver Glasner’s in-form Crystal Palace, who’ve misplaced two of their previous 14 video games, are of their manner however Pep Guardiola’s garlanded crew are favourites; the wounded, deposed champions intent on not ending a season empty-handed for the primary time since his opening 2016-17 time period.
“The nerves actually ramped up yesterday,” writes Palace fan Simon Livingstone. “Listening to the information that Wharton is match is an enormous aid and having him within the crew offers us a combating probability.
“We have to take our probabilities, have some luck, and defend effectively. This Palace crew is the perfect we’ve had for the reason that 90s, or higher! Getting a ticket was robust, however I’m glad I’m going, it’s going to be an excellent day. Come on Palace!”

Jonathan Liew
Chat over. Will Hughes strolls throughout the automotive park to get some pictures taken. Because it occurs, the person rising from the health club at that very second is the Crystal Palace midfield accomplice whose praises Hughes has simply been lavishly exalting.
“Simply added about £20m to your charge in that interview,” Hughes shouts at Adam Wharton as they move. “You may have half,” Wharton retorts. All delivered with a understanding smile, for that is the Palace of Oliver Glasner, the place – as Hughes places it – “there’s egos, however good egos”. No conceitedness, not one of the blame tradition he sees elsewhere. “You watch different groups and arms are within the air, there’s moaning,” he says. “However I actually don’t see any of that right here.”
Unhappy information from the world of sports activities journalism: Brian Glanville, the legendary soccer author, has died on the age of 93. Honest condolences to all his household, associates and colleagues.
“I’m a Metropolis fan, going to help my crew as we speak,” writes Will. “Nonetheless I now reside in Croydon and have many Palace supporting associates.
“This sees me having an enormous gentle spot for Palace and some other opponent I might be rooting for them to win. I’ve a sneaking feeling they’ll.
“Their marvellous entrance three scare me to demise, particularly Eze, who I believe is best than any Metropolis attacker on present kind. I’d love him at Metropolis.”
Chosen feedback from beneath the road.
Adam Wharton is such a cool participant. He by no means appears to run however offers this central stability I desperately want we had at Man Utd. Mixed with this knack of receiving the ball and instantly making a progressive move offers him a set of skills uncommon within the P L.
Look, I do know it doesn’t work this manner however … I’m 64, I had a triple bypass in January, I used to be there with 50 000 followers in 1979 after we first reached the highest degree. Noticed us lose to United twice in earlier cup finals, and I’ve been a fan for 53 years. Don’t I deserve us to carry the cup this 12 months? Don’t I? Ah effectively, okay, understood, however hey, it’s an excellent time out anyway and let’s hope it’s a basic .cos I’m going to overlook most of Eurovision for this😂
The large query for me as we speak is whether or not I’m going to cheer on Palace down the pub or conceal behind the couch like I did for the semi-final.
Kai Havertz, it appears, has been “destroying metrics” within the Arsenal health club.
Jacob Steinberg reviews on the ahead’s rehabilitation from a hamstring harm:
Stephen Yoxall has been in contact: “Annual moan that the BBC protection doesn’t begin at 10am and final all day prefer it did in my day.”
I hear you Stephen. Listed here are some joyful Hammers in 1980 only for good measure. (They beat Arsenal 1-0 that 12 months with Trevor Brooking scoring the one objective within the remaining.)
And right here’s a nonetheless from the BBC protection in 1988, that includes the late Princess Diana handing the trophy to Wimbledon’s Dave Beasant.
Two matches happened in His Majesty’s Premier League final evening.
First, Aston Villa beat Tottenham in what it seems might have been Emiliano Martínez’s remaining match at Villa Park. Ben Fisher was there:
Kicking off a bit of later, Chelsea and Manchester United performed out a largely dreary affair at Stamford Bridge: Marc Cucurella’s second-half header proved the distinction in what could also be a vital end result within the Blues’ try to qualify in for subsequent season’s Champions League. Ben Bloom was on the scene:
Feedback are open so please bombard me along with your ideas, together with questions for Barney Ronay.
Alternatively you’ll be able to electronic mail our matchday reside tackle.

Jamie Jackson
Pep Guardiola has taken a swipe on the Premier League for scheduling Manchester Metropolis’s penultimate fixture of the season, in opposition to Bournemouth on Tuesday, 72 hours after as we speak’s FA Cup remaining assembly with Crystal Palace.
Preamble
The FA Cup is again.
True, it by no means went away, but it surely simply feels larger this season. The explanations for which may be quite a few and we want not be involved with them now. All that issues is that in a number of hours Crystal Palace and Manchester Metropolis will stride on to the Wembley turf to contest one of many extra eagerly-awaited finals of latest years.
This weblog, your one-stop store for all of the buildup, will run till 4pm, in any other case referred to as half an hour earlier than kick-off. We’ve received loads to get by together with a Q and A with Barney Ronay at Wembley. (Publish your questions for Barney within the feedback at your leisure, and he’ll be right here to reply them at round 2.30pm.)
There are additionally league video games in Scotland and Germany that we’ll be protecting on high of, bringing you the massive moments, in addition to the League Two playoff semi-final between AFC Wimbledon and Notts County (12.30pm KO BST).
Group information, all of the buildup and fully over-the-top hype will probably be coming thick and quick so sit again, loosen up, and let the soccer start.
Males’s FA Cup remaining kick-off time: 4.30pm BST