Officials scrap national anthems for Carling Cup final

The Carling Cup final between Liverpool and Cardiff City on Sunday will begin without the playing of national, anthems according to reports.

The Football League are keen for there not to be a repeat of the disappointing beginning to the 2008 FA Cup final between Cardiff and Portsmouth, according to The Sun.

Both the Welsh and English national anthems were jeered on that occasion and officials have taken preventative measures ahead of the Wembley final.

It will be the first time that a national anthem is not played at the start of a major final at the new Wembley stadium.

Cardiff have been given permission to compete in the Europa League next season should they beat Liverpool on Sunday.