Swans fans have made it known to the club that tomorrow evenings game is just a journey too far with more stringent and lengthy checks being implemented for travel to Cardiff. The 7.45pm kick off is another sound reason for what is now clearly a boycott.
Supporters wishing to park and then go through one to one security checks in Swansea and again in Cardiff will have to arrive at the Swans stadium by at least 3pm for the 7.45pm kick off. Then travel to the coach park at Swansea City FC which will mean missing the afternoons sport including the Rugby World Cup game involving Wales & Portugal has put off many more.
With all the restrictions, and that includes alcohol within the open refreshment areas prior to coach travel Swans fans have given the idea a complete thumbs down. Oliver Thomas from Haverfordwest has told us,” I go home and away with a lot of lads from down this way. None of them are going, we generally travel by train to Swansea which takes just over an hour and a half, sometimes a bit longer. Then there’s getting to the ground, and the rigmarole of the personal checks and ticket exchange. It’s just a journey too far. We would have to catch the 12.15 train from town and then spend some six and a half hours travelling or waiting before an hour wait in the ground before kick off. It’s pointless”
Other Swansea supporters have other issues with the rules. Another Swans fan from Pembroke Dock has told us, " They ( Cardiff fans ) get an afternoon in the pub watching all the rugby and football whilst we have a six hour journey to Cardiff before all the nonsense of getting back. We won’t be home until midnight once we get out of the ground and home, that’s at least a thirteen hour day, it’s not Newcastle United away it’s Cardiff”
Others have told us the opportunity for a stop on route to the ground on the M4 was cancelled by the police, and it was common knowledge this would be the case even though tickets were continued to be sold for the fixture. With all the checks in place, restrictions on movement and what is most certainly going to be over zealous stewarding ( Swans fans complained about this last season to us ) then the majority have elected to watch the game on TV at home or in the pub. All that and no bag bigger than A4 being allowed on any coach plus intrusive searches has left the majority completely demoralised with this fixture.
Swansea Independent Comment
Just cancel all away fans for this fixture. The hassle that honest fans have to go through after years of little trouble due to tight regulations is ridiculous. This encourages a certain element in our society to impose their will on Swansea City supporters which in itself will provoke a reaction, drunk, sober, law abiding or otherwise. The decision at the very last minute to cancel the coach stop on the M4 is another example of authoritarian measures which we know has upset many who decided to go to this fixture. Many decided to boycott this game when the draconian measures on free movement were made two weeks ago. Plus of course the costs involved. The authorities have got their way, and the hours and hours of pointless hanging around whilst the will of others is imposed on people has seen the enjoyment of this fixture well and truly removed. This isn’t about avoiding trouble, this goes far further than any restrictions imposed on travelling fans in the history of this fixture. The reason for the kick off time is TV, and money talks, plus the clash with the Rugby World Cup. Cardiff City fans have done the same in recent season failing to sell out their allocations. And now it’s the turn of Swansea City fans.
Another example of football killing the enjoyment of supporters, and another reason why people are walking away from the game in favour of other pastimes that don’t include following their club.