It said there was only one 500-seat train available to carry 70,000 fans, and that was already fully booked.

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson wrote to FA chief executive Adam Crozier, saying safety reasons meant it was impossible for train companies to provide extra trains or even operate a normal service on match day, April 8.

Sir Richard also warned that holding the Liverpool-Wycombe Wanderers match in Birmingham on the same day, and the Grand National at Aintree the day before could lead to chaos on the roads.

Urging Mr Crozier to move the Arsenal-Spurs game to London, or swap venues with the Liverpool-Wycombe clash, Sir Richard said: "This would mean less travelling for fans, less congestion on the M6, more train capacity and a far safer day in transport terms."

Paul Newman, spokesman for the Football Association, said: "The FA has entered into discussions with British Airways to discuss whether extra flights can be laid on or whether they will be able to provide larger aircraft for their existing services. "

The AA urged supporters to begin their journey early and expect delays.

David Davies, executive director of the Football Association, said widespread consultation with the police, the clubs and Virgin Trains had taken place before the decision was made. Changing the venue or delaying the kick-off was not an option.

The 1.30pm kick-off was reluctantly accepted by the FA after safety advice from the police and in order to allow supporters enough time to travel home, he said.