Chelsea supporters left furious after Sheffield United forced a bizarre kick-off time change to game at Bramall Lane – just three days after it was first decided – due to a local half-marathon which passes the stadium
- Earlier this week it was announced that the match would start at 1:30 p.m
- However, it has been moved due to the long-standing Sheffield Half Marathon
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Chelsea fans are furious after the kick-off time for their trip to Sheffield United on Sunday, April 7, was changed for the second time in three days – in what has been dismissed as a ‘kick in the teeth’ and ‘disrespectful’.
It was announced on Tuesday that the match would start at 1:30 PM. However, this was changed to 5.30pm on Friday following a request from the home club to the Premier League which wrote: ‘This kick-off time has been chosen to allow sufficient return travel for visiting supporters.’
Yet the Chelsea Supporters Trust released a fiery statement reminding the Premier League that many fans had already arranged travel plans.
“We were informed that the change had to be made due to the Sheffield Half Marathon taking place earlier that day,” the CST said.
‘It has been suggested that the decision-makers were not aware of the Half Marathon when they initially approved the lunchtime kick-off, despite the Sheffield Half Marathon being a long-standing city center event.
Chelsea supporters have reacted angrily to the latest late fixture change by the Premier League
Chelsea also had to travel away from home for the first Christmas Eve match in 28 years
‘In a season where Chelsea have only kicked off at the traditional 3pm time four times and had many tricky kick-off times (including the first Christmas Eve match in 28 years), this is just another kick in the teeth for a loyal fixture. going supporters.
“This is the last time supporters will be treated with respect, especially as this issue was completely foreseeable. Our message to all parties involved in match planning is clear: stop treating match supporters with total disrespect, otherwise you risk stadiums becoming lifeless, soulless and devoid of passion.”
The CST is encouraging supporters to email them details of any additional costs they will incur – which they plan to send to the clubs.