For many years, the Premier League has had two distinct kickoff times on a Sunday: 2 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. local time. However, this weekend will see three games take place, none of them filling a traditional slot. This scheduling has caused complications for supporters, especially with two matches kicking off on Sunday evening.
There are three different reasons behind the unusual kickoff times. The flagship late Sunday afternoon game, usually broadcast on Sky Sports, has been facing issues with the 4.30 p.m. slot due to concerns raised by local authorities, particularly the police. As a result, games have been brought forward by 45 minutes to an hour.
One game was originally planned for 1.30 p.m. but was rescheduled to 5.30 p.m. due to a major event, the Sheffield Half Marathon, taking place in the city. The marathon's route passes near Sheffield United's Bramall Lane ground, necessitating the change in kickoff time to accommodate road closures and ensure the safety of participants and fans.
Another match, initially set for an 8 p.m. kickoff on April 8, had to be moved to an earlier time due to a national railway and London Underground strike. The Premier League made the decision to reschedule the game to ensure fans could travel to and from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium safely.
Despite the inconvenience caused by these scheduling changes, there have been positive outcomes for fans. Sheffield United agreed to compensate supporters who incurred expenses due to the rescheduling of their match against Chelsea. This compensation scheme, proposed by The Chelsea Supporters' Trust, marks a significant step in addressing fan concerns.
Ultimately, these adjustments highlight the complexities involved in organizing football fixtures and the importance of considering various factors, including fan welfare and public safety, in scheduling matches.
