Supporters’ group concerned about ‘diminished identity’ of FA Cup

There has been an angry response to the new-look FA Cup third-round schedule.

The Football Supporters’ Federation warned that attendances would fall because of the demands of international broadcasters.

The FSF has asked the Football Association to explain why there are only 10 games kicking off at 3pm on Saturday Jan 5 and claimed it had ignored the fact most fans would prefer to watch games in the traditional afternoon slot.

This season is the first of a new television deal which allows international, as well as domestic, broadcasters to change kick-off times in order to maximise audiences for live games. But the FSF feels this will further diminish the standing of the competition as games are spread over an entire weekend.

To make matters worse, fans of League Two Grimsby Town, who wish to watch their match against Premier League side Crystal Palace, will not be able to get home using public transport because the game does not start until 5.30pm.

“Match-going supporters are already of the view that there is too much live football on TV,” said Malcolm Clarke, chairman of the FSF.

“Having third-round games spread so thinly across the weekend diminishes the identity of the competition – ignoring what domestic supporters of the competition want.

“We’re particularly concerned that the number of broadcast games could have a negative effect on match-day attendances in the competition and we will be taking the issue directly to the FA.”

League One leaders Portsmouth have also been given a 5.30pm Saturday kick off, even though they have a long journey to Norwich City.

The third round used to be one of the most eagerly-anticipated weekends of the season as it pitches lower-league clubs against teams from the top two divisions.

However, most Premier League and Championship sides now elect to field a weakened line-up in order to rest players after the Christmas and New Year programme.

The FSF has written to the FA to ask it to reconsider its approach in future rounds.