Soccer: Everton, BBC bow to vicar

Everton and the BBC have bowed to divine intervention and changed the start time of an FA Cup tie to suit the local vicar.

The BBC had opted to screen Everton’s fifth-round home clash with Crewe, and the game was moved from to Sunday, February 17 with a 1pm kick off.

But after pleas from the Reverend Harry Ross, the BBC and the club have re-arranged their schedule and moved the kick-off to 1.30pm so as not to clash with the Sunday service at St Luke’s Church near Goodison Park.

The Rev Ross, an Everton fan and also club chaplain, is delighted with the change to help his congregation go to church and get to the match if they want.

He said: ‘‘I worship God first and Everton second. We have re-arranged our service time a little, and the club have moved the kick-off a little.

‘‘It means that everyone can now leave church in safety and comfort.’’

The BBC were more than happy to change their scheduling, and Everton spokesman Ian Ross said: ‘‘A little bit of divine intervention has taken place here, and everyone is now happy.’’