Leeds United Supporters’ Trust have criticised a late decision to move Leeds’ trip to Crystal Palace to a Monday night.
The fixture change was announced today, a little over three weeks before the game was supposed to be played.
The game was due to be played at Selhurt Park on Saturday 23rd April. However, this has now been pushed back due to the fixture being selected for television.
The match will now kick off at 8pm Monday 25th April and will be televised live on Sky Sports.
The Leeds United Supporters’ Trust took to Twitter to condemn the decision.
They said: “Another ridiculous late game change when fans have pre-booked travel. Also really challenging for many fans to make that last train back”.
Another ridiculous late game change when fans have pre-booked travel – also really challenging for many fans to make that last train back. @premierleague @WeAreTheFSA @SkyFootball #footballisnotforthefans https://t.co/MmV2K5leuh
— LUFC Trust (@lufctrust) April 1, 2022
The announcement, particularly at such short notice, will undoubtedly throw the plans of many Leeds supporters into chaos.
Those who have already booked travel for the original kick off time will likely be out of pocket. Meanwhile, those travelling to the game will struggle to make it from London back to Yorkshire late on a week night.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay also voiced his concern about the new kick off time. “An awkward kick-off time anyway but for supporters travelling to the game, this is nowhere near enough notice”, he said.
Another controversial decision
The decision is one of many controversial ones involving match going fans of all clubs this season.
Recently, Liverpool and Manchester City supporters’ groups released a joint statement condemning the decision to hold their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on a weekend when there will be no trains to London from either city.
They claimed that the FA’s decision was “purely financial and an insult to both sets of supporters”.
While their anger was directed at the FA, it is the Premier League and Sky who face the ire of Leeds fans.
One thing is certainly clear, supporters around the country feel that their needs are not currently being met by English football’s governing bodies.