Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Blow

FA move Community Shield kickoff time to avoid boycott from Man City and Arsenal fans

The Community Shield kick-off time has been moved forward to 4pm to avoid a boycott from Manchester City and Arsenal fans.

The annual fixture between the Premier League champions and FA Cup winners was due to take place at 5:30pm, leaving supporters furious. Fans of both clubs were not happy at the prospect of having to travel to Wembley on a Sunday evening.

As City won the Premier League and FA Cup last season, Arsenal will be their opponents after finishing second in the league. Liverpool defeated Pep Guardiola's side 3-1 in last year's Community Shield, which took place at the King Power Stadium in Leicester.

The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) warned the Football Association (FA) there would "undoubtedly" be empty seats at Wembley for the Community Shield if the game wasn't brought forward. It's unclear whether FSA are satisfied with the change.

Mirror Football have contacted the FSA for comment.

In a statement, the FA said: "The 2023 FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium will now kick off at 16:00 BST on Sunday 6 August. The new earlier kick off time for the traditional 'curtain raiser' of the domestic season has been agreed following consultation with our broadcast partners, the local authorities, police, and the competing clubs.

"The decision to move the kick off time was taken following full consideration of the transport challenges for fans returning to Manchester after the match. Ticketing details for the 2023 FA Community Shield will be announced at the earliest opportunity."

Manchester City haven't won the Community Shield since 2019 (Manchester City FC via Getty Ima)

What do you make of the news? Let us know in the comments below!

City fan group 1894 were among those to complain about the initial kick-off time. A statement read: "1894 urge you to join us in boycotting the Community Shield game against Arsenal on August 6. The 5:30pm kick-off time presents significant travel challenges from Manchester, making it difficult for many loyal supporters to attend.

"It's time match-going fans were treated as a priority rather than an afterthought. By boycotting this fixture, we aim to send a strong message to the FA and ITV (broadcasters for the fixture) about the impact scheduling has on fans.

"Our collective absence from the stadium will demonstrate our discontent and advocate for fairer game times in the future. We understand the love and dedication you have for City, but we believe that our collective action will bring about positive change. We ask fans, who are in a position to do so, to make either a £10 donation, or the equivalent cost of a match ticket, to MCFC Foodbank or another local charity."

The FSA, meanwhile, told BBC Sport after the initial kick-off time was announced: "What used to be an early to mid-afternoon game is now being held on a Sunday evening at the behest of the FA's broadcasters.

"Manchester City supporters are understandably upset, with some calling for boycotts, at this inconvenient scheduling of the Community Shield which will leave many facing difficult decisions about transport and time off.

"This decision to put the needs of broadcasters ahead of match-going fans will undoubtedly lead to empty seats and sour what should be an otherwise exciting curtain-raiser for the new season."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.