Newcastle United fans have voiced their frustration over the inconvenient scheduling of their team’s fixtures for live TV coverage, with their concerns seemingly ignored following the announcement of more disruptive match times.
The fan group Wor Flags criticized the timing of Newcastle’s away games against Liverpool, Fulham, Aston Villa, and the upcoming matches against Arsenal and Chelsea for late kick-offs, which make it impossible for fans to return home via public transport on the same day. The decision to move Newcastle’s home game against West Ham to an early afternoon slot further exemplifies the disregard for travelling supporters.
Despite a vocal protest and a statement from Wor Flags highlighting the unfair kick-off times and the impact on fan experience and costs, the broadcasting schedule remains unchanged. The statement condemned the broadcasters and football authorities for prioritizing television audiences over the fans who attend matches, stressing the growing financial burden on supporters and the neglect of those unable to afford the rising costs of following their team.
The Newcastle fans’ plea calls for a reevaluation of match scheduling practices, urging those in charge to consider the accessibility and affordability for loyal supporters who travel to games, challenging the industry to prioritize the real-life experience over television convenience and revenue.
