FUMING Chelsea fans have protested outside of both the Premier League and Sky Sports’ HQs over the “mockery” of their Christmas Eve fixture.
Bosses caused controversy when they announced that a Premier League match would take place on December 24 for the first time in 28 years.
EPAChelsea fans were fuming at their team being scheduled to play on Christmas Eve[/caption]
X/ @ChelseaSTrustThe CST have protested outside both Sky Sports’ and the Premier League’s HQ[/caption]
It was then confirmed that Chelsea would be travelling to Wolves for the televised clash with a 1pm kick-off.
However, West Midland Railway advised fans not to travel due to post-match services being “extremely limited”.
That led to Chelsea providing free coach travel for anyone who purchased a ticket.
The fierce backlash to the fixture has led to the Prem already establishing that there will be no repeat fixture scheduled for Christmas Eve next season.
But that has done nothing to appease fuming Blues fans, with the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust claiming the Premier League have made a “mockery” of CEO Richard Masters’ vow to “ensure the voices of supporters are not only heard in the stands but also when it comes to having a say on key issues relating to their clubs”.
Now members of the CST have vented their anger outside the London offices of both the Premier League and Sky Sports.
They were spotted holding a banner that read: “Christmas Eve Football Can Get Stuffed!”
A statement from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said: “We have held this demonstration to remind the Premier League and its broadcasters that without matchgoing supporters, football is nothing – Christmas Eve Football Can Get Stuffed!
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“The Premier League CEO, Richard Masters, must ensure his words on supporter engagement are not hollow and must guarantee that there is meaningful dialogue and consultation with supporters on key issues relating to our clubs.
“Our message is clear – stop treating matchgoing supporters with total disrespect or risk stadiums becoming lifeless, soulless, and without passion.”
Boss Mauricio Pochettino has revealed his sympathy with supporters, while a host of rival fans also backed their actions on social media, with one commenting: “Well done CST – a ridiculous concept that is just being pushed by corporate greed.”
Another wrote: “Great banner & thanks, again, for providing the supporter voice against the corporate greed that continues to ruin modern football.”
While a third added: “It’s time to stop this disgrace. Think of the fans.”
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