FC UNITED of Manchester have criticised the BBC for their request to move the upcoming FA Cup tie against Sporting Khalsa – insisting “football is a sport not a television game show”.
The Red Rebels released a statement today, responding to the BBC’s request and outlining their “frustration and bemusement”.
The broadcaster, via the FA, contacted the Vanarama National League North club to see if the fourth round qualifying tie between Khalsa and FC United on Saturday could be rescheduled to accommodate the “brand new BBC Mobile Match of The Day Live experience”.
The new BBC idea will see presenters speak to fans, managers and players on the bench but FC United, set up ten years ago by disillusioned Manchester United supporters, bluntly rejected the request.
A club statement read: “The FC United board gave a resounding ‘no’ to this request. Match-going supporters should not have to be inconvenienced for the benefit of those who rarely, if at all, attend matches.
“The whole “Mobile Match of The Day Live experience” should have been canned at inception by any BBC Sports manager with an understanding of the game.
“As a public service broadcaster the BBC should be taking a lead by promoting the game without causing additional disruption to match going supporters instead of trying to ape or outdo some of the worst excesses of their competitors.
“If BBC viewers would like to understand the fans’ experience at a football game there are numerous real life games at every level throughout the country and the easiest way for TV viewers to access the real fans’ experience is to go along to a match. For a more in depth experience they could volunteer like many Non-League fans do week in and week out.
“TV exposure and the revenue it generates are important to football. However, we believe that the balance has swung way too far in favour of the TV companies – and too far away from the match-going, admission paying, regularly attending football supporter.
“FC United seeks to change the way that football is owned and run, putting supporters at the heart of everything. This includes a better and more balanced relationship with TV.”
Sporting Khalsa echoed their sentiments, saying: “We weren’t interested – we’re Non-League. We play Saturdays at 3pm.”
“we’re Non-League. We play Saturdays at 3pm.” – Class
GOOD ! WELL DONE BOTH CLUBS FOR THERE STANCE..AS A WOLVES SEASON TICKET HOLDER ARE WELL CONVERSED TO UNWANTED CHANGE TO FIXTURES BY RIP OFF STAY AT HOME FANS WHO SUPPORT SKY ……………………..