Goalkeeper whose Wembley blunder led to Reading being dumped out of the FA Cup is due to get married on weekend of the final

  • Adam Federici's error gave Arsenal a 2-1 victory in FA Cup semi-final
  • Federici fumbled Alexis Sanchez's shot - allowing it to go through his legs
  • Federici left the pitch in tears and apolgised for his error after the game 
  • FA Cup final is on May 30 - same day Federici will marry his girlfriend 
  • There is no suggestion, however, that he let the goal in on purpose 

By Rajvir Rai for MailOnline

Published: 04:05 EST, 22 April 2015 | Updated: 07:54 EST, 22 April 2015

The goalkeeper whose extra-time error led to Reading being dumped out of the FA Cup at Wembley had already booked his wedding for the weekend of the final.

Adam Federici left the pitch in tears after fumbling Alexis Sanchez's effort to give Arsenal a 2-1 victory in Saturday's semi final. 

But had Reading reached the final on May 30 it would have clashed with Australian Federici's wedding in Italy to long-term girlfriend Micaela Gardner, reports The Sun. 

Adam Federici is due to marry girlfriend Micaela Gardner on the same weekend as the FA Cup final

Adam Federici is due to marry girlfriend Micaela Gardner on the same weekend as the FA Cup final

Federici fails to stop Alexis Sanchez's shot from crossing the line at Wembley on Saturday evening

Federici fails to stop Alexis Sanchez's shot from crossing the line at Wembley on Saturday evening

Sanchez (centre) celebrates making it 2-1 to Arsenal as Federici (second left) is left dejected after his error

Sanchez (centre) celebrates making it 2-1 to Arsenal as Federici (second left) is left dejected after his error

A source told the paper: 'No one believes he did it deliberately. But I bet he is wishing he booked his wedding for the weekend after now.'

Another source, however, told the paper that had Reading beat Arsenal Federici would have changed the date of the wedding, which is set to take place in the city of Florence.

The 30-year-old apologised to fans for his error after the game, tweeting: 'Just like to say thank you for all your messages and how sorry I am for my mistake. It's part of being a goalkeeper and I'm sure it will make me stronger.'

Federici has been backed to bounce back by Reading boss Steve Clarke, who expects the keeper to start against Birmingham on Wednesday. 

'It's the life of a goalkeeper,' Clarke told Reading Player. 'Adam was obviously very upset because he feels responsible for the defeat.

'It's much better in a game like that, that if you have to lose you lose to a moment of brilliance. That wasn't the case.

'As I said after the game, we win together, we lose together. Adam is a strong character. All the players are 100 per cent behind him, the staff are 100 per cent behind him - he'll bounce back .

'On Wednesday night when we play Birmingham, he'll be typical Adam Federici - one of our best players.' 

The Reading goalkeeper struggles to contain his emotions after his side's FA Cup semi-final defeat

The Reading goalkeeper struggles to contain his emotions after his side's FA Cup semi-final defeat

Federici is due to get married in the Italian city of Florence on the same weekend as the FA Cup final

Federici is due to get married in the Italian city of Florence on the same weekend as the FA Cup final

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