The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Toon fans flag up ’disgusting’ late kick-offs for TV
NEWCASTLE United fans sent a clear message to the Premier League and TV chiefs before Saturday’s frantic 4-4 draw with Luton Town, protesting “disgusting” kick-off times the Magpies have been given of late.
Wor Flags produced a pre-match banner which read ‘TV before fans’, along with smaller flags which highlighted some of the club’s varied kick-off times in recent weeks.
Examples included Newcastle’s 8pm kick-off at Anfield on New Year’s Day, along with last Tuesday’s 8.15pm kick-off at Villa Park.
The 7pm FA Cup clash at Fulham on a Saturday night and a recent 8pm trip down at Arsenal were also included.
Newcastle have only been handed one 3pm away game this season but have still been backed by thousands of fans on the road despite the awkward kickoff times.
The protest fell on the Premier League’s ‘Green Football Weekend’, which this year aims to encourage fans to eat more plant-based meals to reduce carbon emissions.
Plenty of supporters have pointed out the hypocrisy of the campaign given the amount of needless flying Premier League sides undertake to and from matches, while fans are often unable to use public transport when handed late kick-off times due to TNT Sports and Sky Sports.
Shortly after the banner unveiling, Wor Flags released a statement, reading: “Today’s display in the Gallowgate is dedicated to highlighting the disgusting kick-off times that have been afforded to us by broadcasters in both the Premier League and the FA Cup since the turn of the year, making a mockery of the Green Football Weekend which is being celebrated by certain broadcasters.
“Newcastle United fans are some of the most passionate and loyal fans around, dedicated to following our team around the country. It is that dedication and passion that is completely taken for granted by TV companies and football’s governing bodies.
“To date, we have only had one Saturday 3pm kick-off away from home this season.
“The cost of being a football fan is getting ever greater, with increased costs on trains, buses and fuel for cars making it an expensive venture, yet the incessant attitude of putting match-going fans last is putting huge strain on supporters.
“Whilst we still fill away ends, we have not forgotten about those fans priced out by the greed in the game, those who made English football so attractive to the world audience.
“Late announcements of games to suit broadcasters and th those watching on TV has a h huge impact on the fans they a all claim are the lifeblood of th the game.
“We are calling on broadcasters, the Premier League, th the FA and the clubs to do more for match-going fans. Stop with the unsociable kickoff times, make it fairer for fans travelling and stop your greed.”
Wor Flags said some of the recent kick-off times made a ‘mockery’ of the Green Football Weekend
gcEDDIE Howe praised Dan Burn’s presence after Newcastle’s pulsating 4-4 draw against Luton. Howe described him a key player from last season and this campaign.
Having suffered a