FA stands firm on minute's silence for Margaret Thatcher at FA Cup semi-finals

A view of Wembley, Liverpool will mark Hillsborough this weekend, respects paid to Thatcher (GETTY IMAGES)

David Bernstein has ruled out the possibility of a minute's silence being held for the late Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher at this weekend's FA Cup semi-finals as the governing body asserted its independence.

Despite some public pressure, the Football Association chairman said the FA was "an apolitical organisation" and no tributes will be held at Wigan's tie with Millwall or Chelsea's game against Manchester City, both of which are being played at Wembley.

Bernstein also said the FA may refuse to follow Uefa's recommendation of a 10-match minimum ban for players found guilty of racism. "We have our own processes," he said.