Premier League sent clear message over Man United 7pm kick off time - 'putting TV ahead of fans'
The Premier League has been told it prioritises broadcasters over fans as Manchester United gear up for their second Sunday night top flight trip in a little over a month.
Ruben Amorim's side travel to Leicester City this weekend with a 7pm Sunday kick-off. That comes on the back of the fixture against Fulham in late January kicking off at the same time.
The evening slot is unpopular and logistically difficult for travelling fans given it vastly reduces public transport options and guarantees a late return to Manchester for the away supporters, with many facing work or school on a Monday morning.
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The kick-off time is used sparingly by the Premier League but United will bear the brunt for the second time in six weeks this Sunday. The Leicester City fixture was chosen to be part of Sky Sports' coverage but due to the Carabao Cup final taking place on Sunday afternoon and United being in Europa League action on Thursday, the game has been put back to a 7pm start.
While that affords United adequate rest from their midweek win over Real Sociedad, it makes life difficult for the travelling fans. And the Football Supporters' Authority has hit out at the kick-off slot and called for a re-think in the decision-making process.
A spokesperson for the FSA told the Manchester Evening News: "Sunday evening kick-offs are really unpopular with matchgoing supporters as public transport options are limited and it's not good for families with young children.
"Conditional TV selections are really increasing the strain on fans as the Premier League and its clubs continue to prioritise broadcasters over matchgoers for these games."
The FSA launched the Stop Exploiting Loyalty campaign last summer, with the aim of highlighting increased ticket prices across Premier League clubs. That has led to joint protests between rival clubs on the issue across the season.
The FSA website explains the thinking behind the campaign: "Of all the issues impacting football supporters the price of tickets has always been close to the top of the table and, over the past few years, many fans have faced eye-watering price hikes – particularly in the Premier League.
"Supporters have long campaigned to keep football affordable and there have been some big wins – such as the £30 away ticket price cap in the Premier League and FA pledges on semi-final and final costs which came about after FSA campaigns.
"But anger has grown on home prices which have gone up by 19% since Covid. And this season, the fightback against ever-rising ticket prices has begun with the #StopExploitingLoyalty campaign."
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