Wor Flags conveyed a powerful message about the inconsiderate scheduling of kick-off times for NUFC supporters this weekend through its Gallowgate end display. The display aimed to emphasize the need to prioritize supporters over TV fixtures.
In a frustrating twist, Sky Sports has now confirmed that our away fixture against Chelsea will be televised in an 8pm Monday night slot, adding to the already irksome trend. This decision comes on the heels of traveling to Fulham with limited train options and facing an 8.15pm kick-off at Aston Villa last Tuesday night. The upcoming Arsenal away game in less than three weeks will follow a similar pattern. Given the concentration of away fixtures in the capital during this half of the season, one might have reasonably expected more sensible kick-off times. Unfortunately, such hopes seem misplaced.
That feels like an even bigger kick in the face following our performance on Saturday. We’re constantly reminded that we’re at the mercy of wealthy and influential media companies, as though they’re trolling us. It irritates me, and I’m growing so weary of people taking advantage of our support.
If the announcement of the fixtures for that particular weekend hadn’t made me feel like I was boiling with wrath, it would have been funny considering how it was made following that display.
And that was all following the theatrical “green football” weekend.
The powers that be said, let’s give you free transportation to your home game this weekend (which is a really fantastic initiative, by the way). We are concerned for the environment. Use public transportation; we’ll cover the cost. *Penny weapons.*
But to prefer using public transportation to return home from an away game rather than congealing the roads with vehicles and buses or paying exorbitant hotel fees? *Raucous laughter* You dumb billies, why would we do that?
After the “green football” weekend, Manchester City, ironically, opted for a flight for the extensive journey from Manchester to London. This choice raises questions of hypocrisy.
While supporting sustainable initiatives, the frustration stems from the disproportionate burden placed on everyday supporters compared to players, managers, and staff who accumulate significantly more emissions with frequent air travel for domestic games. It’s valid to question why there isn’t a push for greener alternatives for their extensive travel.
Additionally, there’s a plea to enable supporters to utilize more sustainable options, such as train travel, for fixtures like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Fulham. Despite being the furthest Premier League club from London, geographical factors seem overlooked when determining kick-off times.
What are our next steps, then? Personally, I would love to see a coordinated boycott of this game, but I lack the organization and influence to pull something like that together. In my opinion, there is too much demand and a large number of ardent supporters for it to be effective.
If attendees such as myself don’t attend, the tickets will only be purchased by ballot entries. However, I believe I’ll skip this one myself and save this needless day off for an away day in Europe the following season (crossing my fingers).