Liverpool Supporters Group Oppose Premier League 6.30pm Sunday Kickoff Slot
The Premier League is reportedly looking to introduce a 6.30pm Sunday kickoff slot as part of their next TV rights deal, but Liverpool supporters’ group Spirit of Shankly have opposed the plans. According to the Telegraph, the new slot would be one of four designated kick-off times to close the weekend, with the prospect of “wall-to-wall coverage” on Sundays also including a 12pm kickoff.
Though the opportunity to watch Premier League games at 12pm, 2pm, 4.30pm and 6.30pm may be attractive to viewers – and shareholders – the consideration shown to travelling fans is less positive. Spirit of Shankly, the supporters’ group representing Liverpool, are among those concerned with the proposals, explaining that they “totally oppose” a 6.30pm kickoff.
? note with concern that a new schedule of kick-off times proposed under the upcoming @premierleague TV deal includes later times over weekends. We totally oppose this and will be linking with other trusts to take necessary action to ensure football remains for matchgoing fans. pic.twitter.com/q9oLunq45q
— Spirit of Shankly (@spiritofshankly) September 20, 2023
The Football Supporters’ Association, a wider group representing fans across England and Wales, also explained that they “100 percent oppose” plans, adding that “people accept midweek away slots as they’re needed to fit in a season’s worth of games / cup competitions etc., but Sunday evenings are a needless addition because those games can clearly be played at 3pm on a Saturday. A TV-made problem.”
?Sunday evening KOs – a thread ?
A big backlash against PL Sunday evening KOs because of the sheer havoc it causes matchgoers. We 100% oppose it.
A shocking idea but not one we’re unfamiliar with as fans in the WSL have put up with this for years.
It’s not good enough. https://t.co/FNGUupsMaA
— The FSA (@WeAreTheFSA) September 20, 2023
It is worth noting, then, that within the Telegraph‘s report it is revealed that “at least one of English football’s growing army of American owners had been lobbying behind the scenes to abandon the 3pm blackout.” The 3pm blackout has long been in place in English football to protect clubs from failing attendances in the event of every game being broadcast on TV, but some broadcasters were reportedly rallying behind a potential rule change, with one telling the