SPFL chief Neil Doncaster last night blasted furious football fans and told them to get real. Supporters are raging over new Saturday night 5.15pm televised kick-off slots this season. Doncaster insists he has ignored the abuse from disgusted fans because cash from Sky Sports, BT Sport and BBC Alba is now king. The SPFL chief said: “Broadcasters make an important contribution to the health of the game, particularly in this country and the proportion of the total amount of money that comes into our game from television is relatively high compared to some other leagues. “It is an important element. It is important we work with supporters and try to minimise the disruption where we can. “You are never going to please everyone when you move away from a Saturday, 3pm kick-off. “We do have to balance the needs of supporters with the needs of TV companies as well. “TV is very much part of the modern game of football. There’s just no getting away with that.” Celtic and Ross County supporters are livid at a schedule which will see the champions open the season at home to the Staggies at 5.15pm on Saturday, August 3. Friday night games will continue while Saturday lunchtime and early Sunday afternoon fixtures will also be a feature. It’s Saturday night slots that angered punters — with the news coming only three weeks before the Celts’ flag-raiser. Even later, Motherwell will host Kilmarnock on Saturday, August 31 at 5.30pm. Doncaster added: “It’s a question of trying to work with fans, understanding concerns and work with them as best possible to minimise disruption inevitably caused by this.” Chairman of the Scottish managers and coaches association Alex Smith has branded it ‘ridiculous’. Smith — also Falkirk technical director — is appalled by the move. He said: “Television has come to dominate kick-off times and I suppose they have to look after customers but supporters are losing out. “Late kick-offs on a Saturday, Sunday evening and early afternoon are wiping out travelling fans.Not only is it confusing, it drives folk away.” Kevin Graham of the Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters’ Clubs said: “Our fans travel from all over Britain and Ireland and already have plans for the first match. “They’ve booked ferries and hotels now this has been announced at three weeks’ notice.” Read more: thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/feeds/smartphone/scotland/5010942/Neil-Doncaster-blasts-fans-TV-whinge.html#ixzz2Yv9U2urL
Posted on: Sat, 13 Jul 2013 10:38:28 +0000
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