United fans hit out at Friday fixture

Manchester United fans have condemned the decision to switch this weekend’s clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to Friday night.

The move has been described as a "slap in the face" to the club’s supporters, who will be forced to make the journey south on one of the busiest days of the week when rail ticket prices are at their highest.

Once the fixtures were released, BSkyB immediately signalled their intention to screen the game, but there was a combination of problems, including the Notting Hall Carnival taking place on Sunday and Monday, plus United’s participation in the Champions League qualifying round.

Discussions between the two clubs, the Premier League and the Metropolitan Police - but not the fans - eventually concluded that the only switch possible was to bring the game forward.

"This is a real slap in the face for our travelling support," said Independent Manchester United Supporters’ Association chairman Mark Longden.

"We were expecting to get messed around as usual this season but when the decision to switch the game was made, IMUSA made several submissions attempting to get the decision reversed.

"As is often the case, our pleas fell on deaf ears."

The Premier League have promised the move is a ‘one-off’, although that has done little to placate the United contingent.

It has become common practice for matches to take place on every day of the week, with European rounds stretching over three midweek days and two Premier League matches now required for Sunday viewing following the advent of the pay-per-view contract.

Given their vast spread of support, United have tended to be spared home Monday night fixtures but even that ‘rule’ has been broken this season, the Old Trafford encounter with Everton now

moved to October 7.

"We are told this will be a one-off, well why can’t it work in our favour for a change?" added Longden.

"Why can’t BSkyB just decide to screen another match, so that, just as a one-off, it’s not the fans who are inconvenienced?"