A Manchester City supporters' group has called on fans to join their boycott of the Community Shield match against Arsenal later this year over kick-off scheduling concerns.
The clash is due to take place at Wembley on Sunday, August 6 at 5.30pm. The supporters' group 1894 says the scheduling will cause “significant travel challenges” for those travelling down to London from Manchester, arguing that the FA and broadcasters ITV are treating fans as an “afterthought”.
In a statement, the group called on all City fans to make a stand by boycotting the game and instead donate to the MCFC Fans Foodbank, which has now set up a Just Giving donation page.
In a message to the Blues fanbase, 1894’s statement said: “1894 urge you to join us in boycotting the Community Shield game against Arsenal on August 6th.
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“The 17:30 kick-off time presents significant travel challenges from Manchester, making it difficult for many loyal supporters to attend. It's time match-going fans were treated as a priority rather than an afterthought.
“By boycotting this fixture, we aim to send a strong message to the FA and ITV about the impact scheduling has on fans. Our collective absence from the stadium will demonstrate our discontent and advocate for fairer game times in the future.
“We understand the love and dedication you have for City, but we believe that our collective action will bring about positive change.
“We ask fans, who are in a position to do so, to make either a £10 donation, or the equivalent cost of a match ticket, to MCFC Foodbank or another local charity.”
MCFC Fans Foodbank responded to the plea on Twitter, adding: “We're standing with 1894 to boycott the atrocious 2023 Charity Shield decision, made with zero consideration to supporters.
“Blues are putting their money where their mouth is, so we've set up a JustGiving page to show support to our communities.”
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