Angry Chelsea fans slam Premier League chiefs after Sheff Utd clash moved to late game due to half-marathon
CHELSEA fans have slammed Sheffield United after their clash at Bramall Lane was moved to a tea-time kick-off – because of the city’s half marathon.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side had already seen the Bramall Lane visit switched to a 1.30pm start on Sunday April 7.
But Prem fixtures chiefs announced it would now kick-off at 5.30pm as the result of a “home club request”.
That is due to the Sheffield Half-Marathon, with a field of more than 5,000, with a 9.30am city centre start and finish due at noon – a fact which passed both Prem and Blades officials by.
And the Chelsea Supporters Trust, still furious with broadcasters and Prem bosses after their game at Wolves was played on Christmas Eve, vented their anger once again.
The Trust said: “This is just another kick in the teeth to loyal match going supporters.
“This is the latest occasion of supporters being treated with disrespect, especially as this issue was totally foreseeable.
“Our message to all parties involved with fixture scheduling is clear: stop treating match going supporters with total disrespect – or risk stadiums becoming lifeless, soulless and without passion.”
The Trust also asked fans who are out of pocket for train ticket price changes to get in touch ahead of a claim on their behalf being made to both the League and Sheffield United.
Prem bosses, who were only informed of the clash this week, are understood to have sympathy for the fans’ plight as it is accepted that Sheffield United have taken full responsibility for the late change.
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Chelsea played Sheff Utd in December and beat Chris Wilder’s side 2-0.
Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson got on the scoresheet as Mauricio Pochettino’s team bossed the match with 78 per cent possession.
Sheffield United face a battle to stay in the Prem after picking up just 13 points from 26 games.
They could be all but relegated by the time the Blues visit Bramall Lane, with games against Arsenal, Bournemouth, Fulham and Liverpool coming up before Chelsea.