Hereford FC will play in the FA Vase Final this weekend, where they will take on the formidable Morpeth Town at Wembley Stadium.

Lots of local residents are going to Wembley to cheer on Hereford FC on Sunday. One player in particular, Joe Tumelty, has a large group of local supporters. Joe, who orignally came from Ross-on-Wye, and attended St Joseph’s Primary School, signed with Hereford FC last year, and scored the winning goal against Salisbury.

It’s been a magical year for the Phoenix Football Club which will next year be allowed to enter the FA Cup. The competition that secured their most famous victory when they knocked Newcastle United out in 1972.

The Hereford FC club mascot, Ronaldo, a Hereford Prize Bull, will be joining the team, and will be paraded in front of the club’s fans at Wembley Stadium before the match, which will take place on Sunday, May 22nd.

Hereford FC Chairman, Jon Hale, said: "I have to be honest, when this idea was first mooted I was not confident we would succeed with our proposal. Therefore I am absolutely delighted that the FA and Wembley Stadium have agreed to our request and I know seeing ‘Ronaldo’ gracing such a iconic venue will be a proud moment for every Herefordian.

"I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part in making this happen – it is only going to make what will be a special day even more remarkable."

On Sunday, Ronaldo will make his way pitchside at 11.10am and then parade in front of the Hereford fans for around half an hour before leaving the arena at 11.40am.

Lots of supporters of Hereford FC are excited to see the club’s mascot at Wembley Stadium, several local people who are attending the match have said Ronaldo’s presence will make the day extra special. On the Ross Gazette’s Facebook page, Selina Weale wrote: "Our son can’t wait! Huge Hereford fan!"

However, the decision to take Ronaldo to the match has been criticised by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The animal rights group have sent a letter to the Football Association (FA) CEO Martin Glenn. The letter urges Glenn to revoke the permission immediately and implement a policy against allowing the use of live animals in football stadiums.

PETA argue that the bull will likely be terrified and alarmed, when subjected to the crowds of shouting football fans. In its letter, PETA notes that bulls are sensitive animals who are extremely intelligent and aware of their surroundings. When they are subjected to stressful and unnatural environments, there is no telling how they will react, creating a potential risk to spectators and staff at the match.

The group suggests and alternative to taking Ronaldo himself to the match; they ask that Hereford FC arrange for one of its supporters to dress up as a bull, thereby promoting their team in a manner that avoids all cruelty to animals.