Everton Hill Dickinson
An Everton supporter has expressed strong dissatisfaction following the rescheduling of the club’s away match against Arsenal, which was altered for the second time just 15 days before the fixture. The match, initially set for Saturday, March 14, was first moved to a Sunday slot by Sky Sports, only to be reverted back to Saturday with a new kick-off time. This change has sparked frustration among fans who had already made travel arrangements.
Steve Zocek said: “Changing the day and the kick-off time for a match for the second time – after you’ve already altered it once for television coverage – little more than a fortnight before it is played is disgraceful. However, we’re fighting a monster here. Those who are making the decisions are giving no respect or consideration to the match-going supporters. In contrast, I’m now out of pocket – and there will be many others in the same boat too – having had to cancel my train bookings. I have told them that we, as fans, were here long before you started transmitting games to homes.”
“They always say how fans inside stadiums are a necessity, yet in reality, these days we are nothing more than TV extras.”
The fixture between Everton and Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium was originally scheduled for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, March 14. In late January, it was moved to a 2pm slot on Sunday, March 15, to accommodate Sky Sports’ broadcast schedule. However, with Arsenal’s Champions League commitments against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, March 17, the match was moved back to Saturday, March 14, now set for a 5:30pm kick-off. This decision was reportedly made after discussions with Hill Dickinson Stadium officials, who opposed an 8pm start.
The rearrangement has led to a congested schedule, with Chelsea facing Newcastle United at the same 5:30pm slot on Sky Sports, while West Ham United hosts Manchester City at 8pm on TNT. Sunday will see three matches at 2pm: Crystal Palace vs. Leeds United, Manchester United vs. Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest vs. Fulham, all available on Sky Sports.
This is not the first time Everton supporters have faced fixture changes, as their home game against Arsenal in December also underwent late rescheduling. Steve Zocek, a dedicated Everton author, has voiced his displeasure, highlighting the financial and logistical impact on fans who are often left to bear the brunt of such last-minute changes.
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