Community Shield Kick-Off Time Adjusted to 4pm Following Fan Complaints
The match between treble champions Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, August 6 will now begin at 4 p.m. rather than 5.30 p.m.
Following fan objections, the Community Shield kickoff time has been moved up by 90 minutes.
The Football Association said on Tuesday that the match between treble champions Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, August 6 will now begin at 4pm rather than 5.30pm.
However, other City fans believe that the game, which will be shown live on ITV, should be pushed even later to 3pm.
The City fans’ club 1894 led the charge for this alteration, initially urging supporters to boycott the match when it was set for 5.30pm, instead donating to foodbanks.
“We would like to see the kick-off time for the Community Shield brought forward to 3pm if it has to be on Sunday,” an amended statement from 1894 stated.
“At 4 p.m., supporters will still face significant travel challenges.” While some fans may now believe they can attend the game, the simplest approach to ensure an outstanding crowd would be to reschedule the game to 3pm, which ITV, with its various free-to-air channels, can easily do.
Updated statement from @WeAre1894 following the FA’s decision to change the 2023 Community Shield kick-off time to 4PM. 👏 pic.twitter.com/Mnbbse35XX
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) June 20, 2023
“This isn’t just a Manchester City problem.” Next year, two more northern clubs could be required to start at 5.30 p.m. – or later.
“Fans of many other clubs can see how this may apply to them in the future, and we appreciate their support.”
“Finally, thousands of pounds has been raised for the MCFC Foodbank in three days, so thanks to all City fans for their generosity.”
In recent years, travel preparations for Wembley meetings have been a source of frustration for north west sides.
Last year’s FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Liverpool took place on a weekend when there were no direct trains from the region to London owing to engineering maintenance. Rail workers then went on strike on the day of this year’s FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United.
Late kick-offs often give fans little time to return to stations before the final trains north.
The last trip from London to Manchester is scheduled to leave Euston at 9.48 p.m. on August 6.
“The new earlier kick-off time for the traditional ‘curtain raiser’ of the domestic season has been agreed following consultation with our broadcast partners, local authorities, police, and competing clubs,” the FA said in a statement.
