Posted on 3rd January 2017
This is a story from the FSF archive – the FSF and SD merged to become the FSA in 2019.
Fan groups at Fulham and Cardiff City have written to BBC Wales expressing their dismay at the corporation’s decision to reschedule the kick-off of their FA Cup tie to 11.30am for television broadcast.
FSF affiliates The Fulham Supporters’ Trust and Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust have written a joint letter to the head of sport at BBC Wales to make their displeasure at the unusually early kick-off time known. Currently, there is only one direct pre-match train service available to Fulham fans, arriving into Cardiff at 10.59am.
“Picking a time of 11.30am is particularly insulting to the supporters who are the lifeblood of the game,” said Neil Springate, FSF national council member and the Fulham Supporters Trust secretary.
“We are appreciative of both clubs’ attempts to provide free travel options for their fans, but any previous planned initiatives to improve attendance at this fixture will have been doomed by this decision.
“As a public service broadcaster, BBC Wales should have a duty to consider the wider implications of their scheduling – and the fact that you have chosen this kick-off time shows just how far the ordinary fan has slipped down the pecking order in the modern game.”
At the time of publication, the BBC has yet to respond to the complaint.
Thanks to Action Images for the picture used in this story.
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