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FC Copenhagen criticise decision to play cup final in Herning: 'It's a mess'

Jacob Neestrup along with Jacob Lauesen are very unhappy about the decision to play in Herning
Jacob Neestrup along with Jacob Lauesen are very unhappy about the decision to play in HerningMIchael Barrett Boesen / Alamy / Profimedia
FC Copenhagen director Jacob Lauesen and head coach Jacob Neestrup are very unhappy about the fact that the Danish cup final is set to be played at MCH Arena on 29 May.

For safety reasons the match has been moved from Brondby Stadium to MCH Arena, which has a 12,000 spectator capacity.

In recent weeks, FC Copenhagen have otherwise offered to arrange the final in the Parken stadium which has a capacity close to 36,000 for cup finals, but organizers has not favored the proposal, says Jacob Lauesen.

"We think it's a shame, maybe even bizarre, that the final has to be played over there. Today (Thursday, ed.) there were over 26,000 spectators in here for a semi-final, and for the final there will be around only 40 percent of that number of spectators. It's a bit silly."

"I think it is impossible to move the match. We have been fighting for it for a month, but we have received no support."

"The reason is that we would gain an advantage if the match was to be played in the Parken stadium. It would have been possible if we were not one of the participants in the final", says the FC Copenhagen director.

At the beginning of April, organizers laid out the possible scenario for moving the final. Jacob Lauesen believes that the whole process has been ugly.

"Before the tournament started, we were favorites, and then they chose to rent a stadium where we cannot play, unless it is against Brondby. It is incomprehensible that you throw the favorite team around for pleasure, it is a mess", says Lauesen.

FC Copenhagen will face Silkeborg in the final at MCH Arena on 29 May.