Sky Sports announcement blasted over ‘Ridiculous’ Leeds United developments
Leeds United fans have followed their club over land and sea for decades, but have seen television companies and rising ticket prices make it increasingly challenging.
The Whites have packed out Elland Road this campaign so far as well as appearing in their thousands all over the country, watching their side roar to the top of the Championship.
Leeds have now seen one of their longest away trips of the season dragged into a Sunday midday kick-off slot for Sky Sports and ITV when they travel to Fratton Park to take on Portsmouth – now on 9 March.
Supporter backlash was inevitable to the decision, with Pompey fans also having to travel early for the reverse fixture at Elland Road which ended 3-3 on the opening weekend (10 August), kicking off at 12:30 pm.
Portsmouth v Leeds United announcement disgraceful
Graham Smyth has slammed Sky and ITV for what appears to be a joint decision to move the contest between Leeds and Portsmouth to Sunday 9 March at noon.
It will be only the third time in 20 seasons Pompey have played this early in a home match, and the first time this has been in front of supporters while also hosting a visitor from the north.
Smyth took to X to air his frustration on fans’ behalf, writing: “Football is for the fans. Not you fans who go to games, don’t be ridiculous and selfish.
“Now get to Portsmouth for mid-morning on a Sunday and make an atmosphere so it sounds good on TV.”
The match has been bagged by the TV companies with both sides expected to go down to the wire in their respective Championship ambitions.
Daniel Farke’s Whites are on a ruthless promotion charge for the Premier League, while Pompey – in their first season back in the second tier – are looking to stay there for the long haul.
Leeds fans will still pack out the Fratton Park away end
While Farke’s side will inevitably travel down to the South Coast on Saturday and stay in a nearby hotel – some fans will follow suit – many of a Leeds persuasion will be forced to set off before the crack of dawn.
To allow for any road difficulties, coach departures could be leaving Yorkshire as early as 3 am for the clash. It’s just what match-going supporters have come to expect.
The atmosphere will still be rocking in one of the fixtures the Championship had been crying out for during a long period when the clubs were leagues apart, which is exactly what TV companies recognise.
Whether it’s ticket prices or TV arrangements, the match-going supporters are always treated like the inconvenience of the whole situation. Loyal customers are ignored in the quest for new ones, like many trades.