Newcastle Utd fans furious as FA Cup decision leaves them “no option”
Cristiano Pinto/UnsplashNewcastle United fans are furious with the FA and TV broadcasters for “no consideration” for matchday travelers with the club’s fourth-round FA cup tie against Fulham.
The Toon Army were chuffed after beating local rivals Sunderland 3-0 away from home in a derby day win in the third round of the FA Cup.
However, joy has quickly turned into frustration as traveling supporters could be left stranded in London as they face Fulham away at Craven Cottage for their fourth-round tie.
With kick-off set for 7pm GMT on Saturday, January 27, could mean many are left in the country’s capital as the last train bound for Newcastle departs Kings Cross at 9pm.
Newcastle United Supporters Trust slam ‘appalling’ FA Cup kick-off time
Eddie Howe’s side will be taking on Fulham in their fourth round FA Cup fixture, which has been selected for broadcast on ITV. Fans as well as the Newcastle United Supporters Trust have criticized the ‘appalling’ decision which they claim has given no thought to travelling supporters.
“Once again we are appalled at the lack of thought given to traveling supporters ahead of our FA Cup match at Craven Cottage,” the NUSC wrote in a statement.
“A 7pm kick-off leaves supporters with no option of catching a train home with the last train for Newcastle departing Kings Cross at 9pm, leaving thousands now looking for accommodation in London with only two weeks notice.”
They added: “The financial and logistical burden imposed on traveling fans by TV companies is shocking in an industry reaping huge profits. It is always the fans who pay the price. The loyalty of our supporters is once again being taken for granted in the knowledge that we will fill the away end regardless of the kick-off time.”
Furthermore, the Newcastle United Supporters Trust is urging for significant changes to be put in place to ensure that fans are prioritized when it comes to TV scheduling of games.
Not only that, following the FA Cup tie, Newcastle United fans will be traveling to face Aston Villa in a mid-week Premier League fixture scheduled for 8:15pm just days later.