UPDATED CARDIFF & FULHAM FANS PROTEST FA CUP GAME TIMINGS

' UPDATED '

Cardiff City supporters unite with Fulham against BBC Wales in protest over 'insulting' FA Cup kick off time

Fulham fans have lodged a protest to BBC Wales about the early kick-off for next month’s FA Cup tie at Cardiff City.


BBC

Monday 19th December 2016

Whites supporters face a very early start and limited travel options to make it to the Cardiff City Stadium for an 11.30am kick-off on Sunday, January 8.

The game has been selected for TV broadcast and Neil Springate, secretary of the Fulham Supporters’ Trust, has written to BBC Wales’ head of sport Geoff Williams to complain.

“We were very disappointed with the decision to reschedule the FA Cup third-round tie,” said Springate, on behalf of the Trust.

“Moving the game for television has become something that the modern football fan has had to get used to, but picking a time of 11.30am is particularly insulting to the supporters who are the lifeblood of the game.

“The train options leave Fulham fans with just one direct service that will arrive into Cardiff at 10:59am, and facing the likelihood of altered (or delayed) services, due to works being undertaken, on the mainline leaving London Paddington, and the certainty of severe disruption to the Tube service prior to departure.

“We also note that many Cardiff City supporters may have great difficulty in reaching the stadium from various locations across Wales due to the early kick-off time.”

Describing the FA Cup third round as ‘one of the momentous days in the footballing calendar,’ Mr Springate added: “As a public service broadcaster, BBC Wales should have a duty to consider the wider implications of their scheduling.

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.

“We would be very interested to hear your reasons for making this decision and how you can explain it to the fans who now face a gruelling journey simply to support their side.”

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Should be a complete boycott by both sets of fans IMO

Well done Fulham fans. Doubt if BBC Egg will be concerned, though, or even understand.

Don't blame them one bit.

The 6pm kick off on S4C against Shrewsbury last season was bad enough.

Fully agree with them.

Stupidity all round but fans are never considered where television is concerned.

It's always been that way and always will be I'm afraid.

Should be a complete boycott by both sets of fans IMO

Absolutely correct, it wont happen though.

spot on fulham fans

Bet BBC Wales wouldn't do this to the rugger buggers

Cardiff City supporters unite with Fulham against BBC Wales in protest over 'insulting' FA Cup kick off time


The FA Cup

BBC

Monday 19th December 2016

Cardiff City Supporters' Trust have joined forces with their Fulham counterparts in a protest against the 'insulting' kick off time of their FA Cup third round clash .

They have written a letter to BBC Wales, which is due to televise the match, asking to revise the 11.30am kick off.

Limited public transport for travelling Fulham fans mean they will only be able to access one train service to get to the match. That is the first train of the day, leaving London Paddington at 8.37am and arriving at Cardiff Central at 10.59am.

The letter, which comes from the Fulham Supporters' Trust says the early kick off time is “insulting to the supporters who are the lifeblood of the game”.

“As a public service broadcaster, BBC Wales should have a duty to consider the wider implications of their scheduling,” the letter adds

“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.

“Both Trusts have long supported the campaigns run by the national supporter groups, the Football Supporters' Federation and Supporters' Direct, on ticket pricing and away travel.

“The FA Cup third round was once a special weekend for football supporters up and down the country, but this decision highlights just how little 'magic of the Cup' remains.”

Keith Morgan, chair of Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust, said: "We are fully in support of the views of Fulham Trust and urges BBC Wales to reschedule the time of the FA Cup tie to ensure supporters from London and Cardiff City supporters living outside south Wales are not seriously inconvenienced.

"We are disappointed at the lack of thought for supporters by the BBC in proposing this very early kick-off.”

Cardiff City can and should say NO to the BBC and play the game 3pm on the Saturday and put our fans first for once

Can the club actually say no? Cannot think of any club ever saying no to TV regardless of day or kickoff time!

BBC Wales most likely can't show this match at a sensible time because they are probably showing a live rugby match between Ynysybwl 3rds and Glyncoch Non Pol 2nds or X Ray or something similar during peak time. Would have been better putting it on S4C, would have got about 20 viewers which would have doubled their normal viewing figures.

Recently, Lewes FC asked their owner fans what time they fancied a Christmas kick-off...

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What in the name of Lucy Owens tits are BBC Wales thinking of?

Surely both clubs have agreed to this revised KO time for the TV money? They could say NO?

Can the club actually say no? Cannot think of any club ever saying no to TV regardless of day or kickoff time!

Ironically, I think it's in the Contract of Membership (or whatever it's called) of the Football League, so clubs have to abide by the times they are given

Can the club actually say no? Cannot think of any club ever saying no to TV regardless of day or kickoff time!

Ironically, I think it's in the Contract of Membership (or whatever it's called) of the Football League, so clubs have to abide by the times they are given

Was guessed clubs had no say in matter!

Liverpool are on at 1.30, possibly the tv deal does not allow an overlap of live games

Liverpool are on at 1.30, possibly the tv deal does not allow an overlap of live games

Probably right as can't remember a game overlapping on TV in fa cup at least!

What in the name of Lucy Owens tits are BBC Wales thinking of?

PMSL

BBC Wales most likely can't show this match at a sensible time because they are probably showing a live rugby match between Ynysybwl 3rds and Glyncoch Non Pol 2nds or X Ray or something similar during peak time. Would have been better putting it on S4C, would have got about 20 viewers which would have doubled their normal viewing figures.

Hilarious