Brentford are offering their fans half-price tickets for their Premier League away match against Everton on Saturday, April 27.
The game was moved to a 5.30pm BST (12.30pm ET) kick-off time after it was selected for live UK television coverage on Sky Sports, a decision that was announced on March 23.
“We understand the commitment of the fans who follow Brentford around the country to back Thomas (Frank) and the team,” Sally Stephens, Brentford’s fan and community relations director, said. “This is a small gesture to say ‘thank you’ and to acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding this particular game.
“We did consider putting on free coach travel, something which was initially suggested by BIAS (Brentford Independent Association of Supporters), but we know many fans will travel by car or may have already booked their train tickets.
“So, we felt that by covering part of the ticket costs, it would mean that all fans attending could benefit.”
Brentford’s discounted tickets will cost £15 for 18-65s, £12.50 for fans aged 65 and over, and £10 for under-18s.
Fixture and kick-off time movements and their impact on fans have long been a contested topic in the UK.
Earlier this season, Sheffield United initiated a compensation scheme for travelling Chelsea supporters who had bought non-refundable train tickets after the kick-off time for the match between the two sides was moved to accommodate the Sheffield Half Marathon.
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) says that “one of the biggest sources of complaints to the FSA’s public inbox is the total disregard the leagues and broadcasters have for match-going fans when scheduling games”.
The FSA says there should be a 12-week minimum notice period for league games so “fans can book time off work and have the best access to affordable rail tickets or other public transport options”.
GO DEEPER
Premier League complaints about kick-offs a reminder to broadcasters who bemoaned absence of fans
(Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
