Two more Magpies’ fixtures moved
JUST days after Newcastle United fans showed their feelings over TV schedules being put before supporters’ concerns, another London trip has been moved for live coverage.
The latest round of TV fixtures sees two Newcastle games moved in March. The Premier League game at home to West Ham will now be played at 12.30pm on Saturday, March 30, but it is the game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge which will irk the Magpies’ travelling faithful.
That game has been switched to an 8pm kick-off on Monday, March 11 – meaning supporters face a long and difficult journey back from the capital once more. United fans were already disgruntled when their FA Cup fourth-round tie was moved back to 7pm on a Saturday night last month, while the game at Aston Villa last week kicked off at 8.15pm.
Newcastle have had just one 3pm Saturday away fixture all season, with the next one scheduled to be Crystal Palace on Saturday, March 16. However, this is also FA Cup quarter-final weekend, so if the Magpies beat Blackburn in their fifthround game, this match will have to be moved.
After unveiling a banner protesting the away kick-off times at Saturday’s 4-4 draw with Luton, Wor Flags released a statement that read: “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.
“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.”