The three-man tribunal dismissed the Blades' claim for a new disciplinary commission to rule on West Ham and said the original decision to fine the Hammers £5.5million could not be judged "perverse or irrational".

However, the panel confirmed that, had they been sitting in judgment originally, they "would, in all probability, have reached a different conclusion and deducted points from West Ham".

Even if they were to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, it would be deep into the new season before they could expect any result - and there is every chance they would lose that too.

So, the boys and girls who travel with the Toon Army will have a long trek to Capital City on Saturday 26th April. And if you want directions ...

WEST HAM UNITED - BOLEYN GROUND

GROUND
Away fans are housed in one end, in the lower tier of the relatively new North Stand (also known as the Centenary Stand). The usual allocation for away supporters is 2,200, but if demand requires, away fans can be allocated the whole of the lower tier of the North Stand, where up to 3,600 supporters can be accommodated. The ground is compact, with the fans are seated close to the pitch. This coupled with the passionate support of the West Ham faithful can make for a vibrant atmosphere. However this can be intimidating for away supporters, so exercise caution around the ground. I personally enjoyed my visit and it is certainly not as bad as it was a few years ago and the West Ham fans can still give rendition of their club anthem 'I'm forever blowing bubbles....'.

GETTING THERE
from the M1 leave at Junction 2 onto the A1. After a short distance the A1 joins tha A406 (North Circular Road). Turn left onto th A406 and follow this road until it reaches tha A124 (Barking Road) and turn right heading into London. After about 1.5 miles turn right into Green Street and the ground is on the right.

PUBS
A number of bars are home fans only, but times have changed and this place isn't as bad as it used to be. I know away fans are always told not to visit the Boleyn Pub (on the corner of the ground), plus the Greengate, Wine Bar, Village and the Central pubs on Barking Road. But I've been in them all, without any trouble. Millers Well is a Wetherspoons (opposite East Ham Town Hall) is good, although for years we've used the East Ham Social Club and the Denmark Arms.

TUBE
The ground is walkable from the Upton Park tube station which is on the District, plus Hammersmith and City lines. Please not the West Ham tube station is nowhere near the ground so don't get off there. The queue to get away from the ground is always horrendous, and you're probably better off going for a couple of pints before going back on the tube. Forest Gate is a 25 minute walk, but far less busy.