Rovers back Arsenal idea

Arsenal face tough away tie

Blackburn have backed calls to let Arsenal keep the FA Cup if they win it for a third successive time.

Rovers were the last team to win an FA Cup hat-trick between 1884-1886, but were not allowed to keep the trophy.

Football Association chiefs will discuss plans if Arsenal reach the semi-finals.

Rovers chief executive John Williams said: "Fifa set a precedent when they awarded Brazil the Jules Rimet trophy after three wins."

To allow Arsenal to keep the trophy, the FA Cup committee must drop one of its oldest rules.

With respect to the Blackburn side of the 1880s, it would be incredible to do it in the modern era Blackburn chief executive John Williams

Under the rules at the time, Wanderers earned the right to keep the trophy when they completed a hat-trick of wins in 1878.

But they returned the trophy on condition that it could never be won outright.

FA chiefs feel the competition will be given a boost if Arsenal have the incentive to win the trophy outright - and others have the chance to stop them.

Blackburn chief executive Williams said: "If the FA feel Arsenal should be recognised in this way, why not?

"It would be a fantastic achievement.

"With the greatest of respect to the Blackburn side of the 1880s, it would be incredible to do it in the modern era.

"But Arsenal have to win it first."

The Gunners face a tough task in the quarter-finals, with a trip to either Liverpool or Portsmouth.