Brighton have postponed their clash with fierce rivals Crystal Palace because of a train strike.
Police and other members of the local Safety Advisory Group urged them to call the game off on Saturday September 17 and they got permission from the Premier League. But it has caused a backlash from fans of rival clubs as Liverpool ’s FA Cup semi-final with Manchester City went ahead last season despite no direct trains to London while England’s game with Germany at Wembley on September 26 is also going ahead despite a strike.
Liverpool fan Jim Boardman tweeted: “Northern teams’ fans can’t get to Wembley for semis or finals by train due to strikes, engineering work or weekend timetables - fans told nothing can be done, find another way.” Newcastle supporters were also made to do a 700-mile round trip while Palace’s ground is just 41 miles away. It is a highly unusual step with the last postponement because of a Tube strike 10 years ago.
