da apostebet: Chelsea fans have been left fuming after their side's kick-off time away at Sheffield United was changed twice in the space of three days.
da spicy bet: Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Fixture changed twice in three daysHalf marathon taking place on same dayFans want compensationWHAT HAPPENED?
The game was initially moved for television viewing from the traditional 3pm Saturday slot to Sunday, April 7, at 1.30pm. However, two days later, the game was pushed back again to 5.30pm on the same day. With some fans having arranged travel to and from Sheffield and the later time making getting back to London after the game trickier, Blues fans are upset.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE EXPLANATION
The reason for the postponement is be because the Sheffield half-marathon is taking place in the city on the same day. However, when the fixture was initially moved to 1.30pm, neither the police nor the council had raised the issue. With some Blues fans having booked train tickets already for the earlier kick-off, the Chelsea Supporters Trust (CST) issued a statement critical of the fixture's handling.
WHAT CHELSEA SUPPORTERS TRUST SAID
Posting on X, the CST said: "In a season where Chelsea have kicked off only four times at the traditional 3pm and have had many inconvenient kick-off time slots (including the first Christmas Eve fixture in 28 years), this is just another kick in the teeth to loyal match-going supporters. This is the latest occasion of supporters being treated with disrespect, especially as this issue was totally foreseeable. Our message to all parties involved with fixture scheduling is clear: stop treating match-going supporters with total disrespect or risk stadiums becoming lifeless, soulless, and without passion."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR SHEFFIELD UNITED AND CHELSEA?
The CST have asked fans to email them with any expenses they have suffered as a result of the fixture chaos which will be forwarded to the Premier League, who may instruct Sheffield United to reimburse the impacted fans. Despite fan protests, the game will still kick off at 5.30pm on Sunday, April 7.