The kick-off time for the Community Shield has been changed by the FA and moved forward to 4pm to avoid a boycott from Arsenal and Manchester City fans. The clash is set to take place on Sunday, August 6, however the original 5:30pm start time created a stir amongst supporters.
Those who have to travel were not best pleased about making the journey to Wembley Stadium on a Sunday evening, with trains after the game likely to be limited. This led to the potential for a boycott from supporters, with fan groups coming together to state their intention of not attending the game in protest.
The change to the 4pm kick-off time has brought the game forward by 90 minutes, with a statement from the FA reading: "The 2023 FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium will now kick off at 16:00 BST on Sunday 6 August. The new earlier kick off time for the traditional 'curtain raiser' of the domestic season has been agreed following consultation with our broadcast partners, the local authorities, police, and the competing clubs.
"The decision to move the kick off time was taken following full consideration of the transport challenges for fans returning to Manchester after the match. Ticketing details for the 2023 FA Community Shield will be announced at the earliest opportunity."
It remains to be seen whether the fan groups are going to continue their boycott following the changed time or if it will now see them return to attendance. The clash is the first game of the domestic season that is usually played out between the winner of the Premier League and the FA Cup.
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Manchester City won both trophies, meaning that the opposition moves to the team that finishes second in the division, meaning that Arsenal will make the trip across London to Wembley. The Gunners won the Community Shield in 2020, beating Liverpool on penalties.
Last season's clash was between Liverpool and Manchester City as it was the former who ran out 3-1 winners, in a clash hosted at Leicester City's King Power Stadium instead of the usual venue. With Arsenal and City fighting against each other in the Premier League last campaign, Mikel Arteta may be out for revenge.
The Gunners look set to challenge for the title once again, with a whole host of signings expected over the summer transfer window to bolster their ranks. It remains to be seen whether victory for either side could give them the psychological advantage going into the showdown in the Premier League.
