Premier League responds to ‘contempt’ accusations by Everton fans over Arsenal announcement
The Premier League has issued a response after being accused of “contempt” by the Everton Fans’ Forum over the decision to rearrange their fixture with Arsenal at two weeks’ notice.
Everton had been due to host Arsenal at Goodison Park a week on Saturday [16 September], but it has been pushed back to the following day instead.
The Premier League announced the fixture change on Sunday [3 September] as a result of Newcastle United, who were scheduled to face Brentford on 17 September, needing to instead play the previous day due to Champions League commitments.
Everton Fans’ Forum hit out at the decision on Twitter on Sunday [3 September], saying: “In July’s meeting we stated the potential movement of this fixture at 2 weeks notice is unacceptable.”
In response, the Liverpool Echo [5 September] quotes a spokesperson for the Premier League as saying: “We endeavour to confirm our fixtures at the earliest opportunity to give supporters sufficient time to make arrangements to attend their club’s matches.
“We completely understand supporters’ frustrations when fixtures are moved at late notice but will always caveat those that are subject to change.
“There are many factors involved in the scheduling of matches including our clubs’ participation in other competitions, policing, travel, broadcasting matters, safety considerations and inter-club agreement.”
Frustrating
This fixture change will not make a huge amount of difference to the players. In fact, it could be argued the additional 24 hours or so is a positive for Sean Dyche as players return from international duty.
But it is the fans who are made to pay, with many having already booked the original fixture date off work, while others from further afield may have made other arrangements such as travel and accommodation.
In their desperation to get certain games on television, Premier League decision-makers are putting the match-going supporters second – there is no doubt about it.
The most annoying aspect of this is that it will not be the last game that is rearranged this season, albeit it is unlikely any other changes will be at this short notice.
Certain circumstances out of anyone’s hands are understandable, but in this instance, Everton fans have every reason to feel aggrieved.
In other Everton news, a pundit has questioned a “baffling” transfer decision made by the Toffees this summer.