Dion Dublin booed and told he needs ‘security’ in tense FA Cup draw | Football | Sport

December 3, 2024 2,110

Dion Dublin was booed and told he’ll need ‘security’ during an eventful FA Cup third-round draw on Monday night.

Clubs up and down the country were finding out their fate for the next round of the FA Cup and Dublin was tasked with drawing the away sides for the third round.

But Dublin came under a bit of heat for his role in the draw, which started when he pulled out former club and reigning champions Manchester United away to Manchester United.

BBC Sport anchor Kelly Somers picked up on Dublin’s misfortune, asking the former professional: “Dion, I’ve got to ask you a question because I don’t think you were enjoying that draw too much, because you pulled out a few of your former clubs and didn’t give them the best ties.”

Dublin replied: “It just happens. Before myself and Mark [Hughes] came out to do the draw, we said ‘they’ll be one huge one [tie]’…

“It’s a massive game and it’s in the balance. And I’m really pleased for the lads they’ve got great draws.”

He continued: “I’ll tiptoe out of here… I think that might be a TV game, what do you think?

“They’re the type of games we need in the FA Cup. The FA Cup is a huge cup, we all love it. It’s had a bit of a dip, now it’s back.”

Sommers was quick to point out Dublin also pulled out Accrington Stanley to play United’s rivals Liverpool, to which he replied: “Having been at the lower end of the footballing spectrum, I know what it’s like for clubs of this size. Financially it’s great and the day out is amazing, for the fans, not just the players and the clubs.”

Wrapping up her segment, Sommers asked the United fans packed into an executive box at Old Trafford if they were happy with the draw, to which they responded with boos and jeers.

Jokingly touching on the tension inside the room, Sommers added: “Dion I’m going to sort you out some security.”

Unsurprisingly, social media was filled with reaction to Dublin’s antics, with @samsedd0n posting on X: “Dion Dublin masterclass with this FA Cup draw.”

@DalaiPalmerMCR added: “No way Mark Sparky Hughes and Dion Dublin will be invited back to do another draw… [three laughing emojis].”

@laura_lou2109 responded: “Dion Dublin what have you just done in the FA Cup draw [facepalm emoji] Arsenal v Utd!”

Full FA Cup third-round draw:

Southampton v Swansea City

Arsenal v Manchester United

Exeter City v Oxford United

Leyton Orient v Derby County

Reading v Burnley

Aston Villa v West Ham

Norwich City v Brighton & Hove Albion

Manchester City v Salford

Millwall v Dagenham & Redbrige