x

Supporter Groups Hit Out At Premier League TV Fixtures Delays

Fans groups affiliated with the Football Supporters Association have been expressing their anger at the delays in announcing which games have been selected for TV broadcast and when they will be played when football returns on Boxing Day after the World Cup.

The TV selections for December and January covering the busy Christmas and New Year periods were due to be published by Friday 11th October, but at the time of publishing were 13 days late.

This has meant many fans wanting to book travel to games in the busy December period are potentially losing out on cheaper travel options.

Premier League officials have been unable to provide a concrete date or time for the TV fixtures announcement, despite requests from the Football Supporters Association and various club-specific fan groups.

And over the weekend, supporter groups across the league criticised the latest delay.

TV delays, what fans say

Aston Villa Supporters’ Trust:
Nearly 2 weeks on, televised fixtures for the festive and New Year period still haven’t been released. Premier League get your act together. Fans can’t plan their travel arrangements and we deserve better!

Wolves 1877 Trust:
We, like many supporters groups, are deeply concerned that the festive and New Year period fixtures except for Boxing Day haven’t yet been finalised; 12 days after they ought to have been by the Premier League.

Fans NEED time to fully plan ahead and make the relevant arrangements on accommodation and travel and balancing family commitments over the festive period. This waiting time is totally unacceptable and the Premier League must confirm times and dates ASAP.

West Ham United Supporters’ Trust:
Now 10 days late — lack of consideration for supporters is unacceptable — we deserve better than this- football is nothing without match going fans.

Arsenal Supporters’ Trust:
The fixtures for Boxing Day & the New Year’s period were supposed to be confirmed 10 days ago. We’re still waiting for news from the Premier League — fans need to plan ahead, transport, & hotel all while balancing their family commitments over the festive period.

Newcastle United Supporters Trust:
10 days.

That’s how long the Premier League are passed their own announcement date for fixtures at Christmas and in January.

At one of the most expensive times of the year, fixtures being released on time is vital. More must be done by the league, clubs and broadcasters.

More information on this can be found at the Football Supporters Association website including how you can join using this link below.

https://thefsa.org.uk/

What to read next:

Return Dates Set For Injured Southampton Duo Ramsdale And Bednarek
If you thought that things couldn't get worse for Russell Martin after the defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, then think again, injuries to two key players in the past fortnight have added to his woes.
Do Southampton Need To Recall Bella-Kotchap For Liverpool Clash
With Jan Bednarek seemingly set to miss his first Premier League game of the season, Saints are struggling for central defenders to take on the League leaders Liverpool at St Mary's, is it time to bring in a player out of the cold.
Does Shea Charles Prove That Russell Martin's Player Judgement is Flawed
There has been a lot of words typed on the internet about Russell Martin and his tactics, but is this just the reason as to why we are doing badly in the Premier League, last season there was a clear evidence that his player selection is not what it should be.
Central Defensive Injury Blow For Southampton
If the next few weeks were going to be tough with the potential absence of goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, then they are now getting much worse with the news that a central defender has been injured in International duty over the weekend.
England England's Number 16
It was a dream England debut for Southampton's Taylor Harwood-Bellis, in front of his future Father in law ex Manchester United & Republic of Ireland legend Roy Keane, not only scoring but also nearly getting an assist.
Nick's Saints Saints Away Travel Lay On 6th Coach For Brighton
Brighton away was the first fixture Southampton fans looked for when they came out back in June so there was great disappointment when the game was switched to a Friday night as it means it's virtually impossible to get back on the train.
Saints Not Afraid Of Sacking Russell Martin Even If They Have To Pay
Recent reports have suggested that Southampton have not dispensed with the services of Russell Martin due to the alleged £12 million compensation cost. However it is now suggested that this is not the case and that if they do lose faith they are willing to pay the price.
Southampton Settle Russell Martin Compensation With Swansea City
Its dragged on a bit, but Saints have finally sorted out the compensation package with the Swans for Russell Martin's switch from South Wales to the South Coast, although the details of the settlement are rather vague.
Goalkeeper To Have Surgery As Saints Season Gets Even Worse
One of the highlights, if you can say their were any, of the last few months, was the arrival from Arsenal of Aaron Ramsdale, but now comes some terrible news, that he has injured a finger.
Sources Say Southampton Have Made Decision About Russell Martin
The last two days have been ones of frustration for fans of Southampton Football Club, after a toothless display at Wolverhampton Wanderers, many were convinced that this would surely be the end of the line for the Saints manager.