'It could be you' has been the take-home message behind Manchester City's recent fan-led recent protests, with the 1894 supporters' group calling for a boycott of next month's Community Shield.
City will start the traditional curtain raiser against Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday, August 6, but the Football Association's decision to pencil in a 5.30pm kick-off caused outrage among those planning to head south amid travel concerns at a late finish. Kick-off has been moved to 4pm, but fans remain unhappy at what seems to be an attitude of prioritising a television audience over the match-going fan. It's a trend that has been steadily increasing but recent years have seen it rocket with broadcast revenues following suit.
"Next year this could be two other Northern teams and a 5.30pm kick-off or later still may be suggested again," a statement from the 1894 group read last week on the Community Shield. "We also face 7pm kick-off times on a Sunday in the Premier League from 2024-25. So it is important we try and push back on broadcasters and hopefully fans of other clubs will see this potentially affects us all."
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Those organising the boycott will feel vindication in their efforts, following Saturday's announcement of Premier League fixtures which have been rearranged for broadcast. City have seen two more of their opening seven games moved as a result, joining the opening weekend game against Burnley in being shown live on TV.
Most notable is the home game against Newcastle United, which remains on Saturday, August 19, but will now kick off at 8pm, to be shown live on TNT Sports - the successor to BT Sport. City are the fortunate ones in this instance given they are at home. But the travelling Newcastle supporters will be rushing to Piccadilly Station to catch a train some time after 10pm. Good luck.
The 1984 statement rings truer than ever: at some point it will be you. As reigning champions and one of the most enjoyable teams to watch in the league, City will be lined up for broadcast more than most, and there will be a point in the campaign when Blues are forced to make the late journey.
It could be for a Manchester derby, but it could also be for a trip to Brighton, and with no signs of immediate improvement of the rail network, any trip outside of Greater Manchester will wreak havoc. But those making the decisions have shown little regard for the travelling fan, as proven already.
The Premier League will continue to extend the football weekend for as long as possible, and it will do so at the expense of the match-going fan. Broadcast partners feed the coffers in a way that gate receipts can't.
It's why action like that of the 1894 is crucial in pushing back. A Sunday 4pm kick off is not acceptable, but it suggests co-ordinated action can at least affect the thinking of those profiteering from the game.
