Fulham Supporters Trust slam 'insulting' 11:30am kick-off tie for Cardiff FA Cup tie

Fulham fans getting the train to Cardiff will struggle to make the early kick-off
Getty Images
James Benge20 December 2016

Fulham supporters have labelled the decision to move their FA Cup third round tie in Cardiff to a Sunday morning as “insulting”.

The Cottagers were drawn away to Cardiff City in the Cup earlier this month but had their tie selected for televised coverage by BBC Wales, who selected an 11:30am kick-off for the match on Sunday, January 8.

Supporters travelling from London by train have only option available to them, a service that arrives in the Welsh capital just 31 minutes before kick-off, whilst those driving to Cardiff face a five-and-a-half hour round trip.

The Fulham Supporters’ Trust reacted angrily to BBC Wales’ decision and penned an open letter on their website in which they complained that the “ordinary fan” had been let down by the broadcaster.

“We were very disappointed with the decision to reschedule the FA Cup Third Round tie between Cardiff City and Fulham for Sunday 8 January, with an 11.30am kick off, that was announced earlier this week,” the letter, signed by Supporters’ Trust secretary Neil Springate, read.

“The FA Cup third round is one of the most momentous days in the footballing calendar and, although the competition's enduring value has been questioned in recent years, it remains a draw that fans await with great anticipation.

“Moving the game for television has become something that the modern football fan has had to get used to, but picking a time of 11.30am is particularly insulting to the supporters who are the lifeblood of the game.

“The train options leave Fulham fans with just one direct service that will arrive into Cardiff at 10:59am, and facing the likelihood of altered (or delayed) services, due to works being undertaken, on the mainline leaving London Paddington and the certainty of severe disruption to the Tube service prior to departure.

“We also note that many Cardiff City supporters may have great difficulty in reaching the stadium from various locations across Wales due to the early kick-off time.”

The kick-off time had been agreed by both clubs and BBC Wales, all three parties deeming the early slot the only available broadcast option for the game.

Fulham have offered to lay on free coach travel for all supporters – though fans will need to be up at 6:30am to catch the bus – and tickets have been priced at just £12 for adults and £5 for juniors, with further discounts offered to season ticket holders.

However the Supporters’ Trust doubt that any initiative to raise attendance will help now that the game has been rescheduled.

“We are appreciative of both clubs' attempts to provide free travel options for their fans, but any previous planned initiatives to improve attendance at this fixture will have been doomed by this decision,” the open letter said.

“As a public service broadcaster, BBC Wales should have a duty to consider the wider implications of their scheduling - and the fact that you have chosen this kick-off time shows just how far the ordinary fan has slipped down the pecking order in the modern game.”

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