Fulham fans protest about Cardiff kick-off time

Fulham fans have lodged a protest to BBC Wales about the early kick-off for next month’s FA Cup tie at Cardiff City.

Whites supporters face a very early start and limited travel options to make it to the Cardiff City Stadium for an 11.30am kick-off on Sunday, January 8.

The game has been selected for TV broadcast and Neil Springate, secretary of the Fulham Supporters’ Trust, has written to BBC Wales’ head of sport Geoff Williams to complain.

“We were very disappointed with the decision to reschedule the FA Cup third-round tie,” said Springate, on behalf of the Trust.

“Moving the game for television has become something that the modern football fan has had to get used to, but picking a time of 11.30am is particularly insulting to the supporters who are the lifeblood of the game.

“The train options leave Fulham fans with just one direct service that will arrive into Cardiff at 10:59am, and facing the likelihood of altered (or delayed) services, due to works being undertaken, on the mainline leaving London Paddington, and the certainty of severe disruption to the Tube service prior to departure.

“We also note that many Cardiff City supporters may have great difficulty in reaching the stadium from various locations across Wales due to the early kick-off time.”

Describing the FA Cup third round as ‘one of the momentous days in the footballing calendar,’ Mr Springate added: “As a public service broadcaster, BBC Wales should have a duty to consider the wider implications of their scheduling.

The fact that you have chosen this kick-off time shows just how far the ordinary fan has slipped down the pecking order in the modern game.

“We would be very interested to hear your reasons for making this decision and how you can explain it to the fans who now face a gruelling journey simply to support their side.”