ANGRY Chelsea fans reckon they’ve been given the run-around by a half-marathon.
Sheffield United have reportedly been asked to reimburse travelling supporters – after their Premier League home game against the Blues was rearranged TWICE due to a clash with a popular race.
Even one change of kick-off time for the crucial match on Sunday, April 7 would have been bad enough for fans planning the long trip.
But on Tuesday the game was first put back to 1.30pm – then three days later moved forward at the Blades’ request to 5.30pm.
It’s all because of the Sheffield Half Marathon – even though that annual event has long been known about.
The match date stays the same – but Chelsea Supporters Trust (CST) still rate the saga of the shifting times a “kick in the teeth” and “disrespectful”.
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Now The Mail say Prem chiefs want the Blades to pay back Blues’ fans, some of whom have already bought train tickets.
The CST have reportedly invited those Chelsea supporters affected to write to them with details.
It’s thought the Trust will then forward those bills to the Prem, who in turn are tipped to send them onto the bottom-placed Blades.
The earlier 1.30pm start time was settled upon by both clubs and announced on Tuesday.
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It’s believed no objections came from United, police or the local council.
But it was then switched to four hours later due to the half-marathon – a particularly confusing situation as the race and resulting road closures have long been trailed.
The website for the run calls it “a major event in the UK’s running calendar” and “South Yorkshire’s biggest event of its kind”.
The race has added stature as it is gold-graded by UK Athletics.
It began as a full marathon in 1929 but has been half that distance since 2003, with a fun run now also included.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
