FANS’ groups have criticised Prem bosses for another late fixture swap likely to leave supporters out of pocket.
Brentford’s trip to Newcastle has been brought forward to Saturday September 16 with a tea-time kick-off on Sky.
That means it is impossible for Bees fans to travel up and back by train on the day of the game, with the last service back to the capital leaving at 1933.
But the Football Supporters Association have condemned Prem chiefs because the match had already been switched BACK 24 hours on July 8, when some Brentford supporters would have purchased train tickets.
In comments on X, formerly Twitter, the FSA referred to the late switch to slam an “entirely avoidable farce“.
The FSA added: “Games moved with just two weeks’ notice.
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“Entirely avoidable farce that likely leaves fans out of pocket – and Brentford fans missing the last train back to London.
“Supporters are tired of games being moved more than once to accommodate broadcasters.
“Games that will have to be moved again due to predictable clashes with the European schedule shouldn’t be selected for TV. Simple as that.”
Last season all four Champions League teams – Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs – had their first two pre-European week games scheduled for Saturdays so there was no disruption after the Uefa draw.
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Teams that play in Europe on Tuesday – Newcastle travel to Milan and City host Red Star Belgrade on September 19 – are guaranteed to have their Premier League games the previous weekend on Saturdays.
The Newcastle game was moved despite the knowledge that there was a 50-50 chance of it having to be switched back, with the Champions League draw always set for last Thursday.
At the time of the original change, the Prem said it was “subject to movement dependent upon the participation of Premier League clubs in the Champions League the following Tuesday”.
In response to the FSA statement, a Premier League spokesperson said: “We endeavour to confirm our fixtures at the earliest opportunity to give supporters sufficient time to make arrangements to attend their club’s matches.
“We completely understand supporters’ frustrations when fixtures are moved at late notice but will always caveat those that are subject to change.
“There are many factors involved in the scheduling of matches including our clubs’ participation in other competitions, policing, travel, broadcasting matters, safety considerations and inter-club agreement.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
