'Make a stand' - Man City fan groups issue statements after Community Shield change

Manchester City supporter groups want further changes to the Community Shield time after the FA brought the match forward by 90 minutes.

The 1894 supporters' group had urged fans to boycott the game with Arsenal after a 5.30pm kick-off on Sunday August 6 was announced, limiting trains back after the game and ensuring that anyone travelling down either had to take a day off to stay down on Monday or faced a late arrival back in Manchester for work the following day. They encouraged City fans to make a stand at the lack of consideration shown to them by instead donating to local foodbanks, and a fundraising page has ticked over £5,000 in just four days.

City asked the FA if anything could be done, and it was agreed after discussions with broadcasters to play the match at 4pm on the Sunday instead. However, that has not been enough to satisfy the fan groups.

"We would like to see the kick off time for the Community Shield brought forward to 3pm if it has to be on the Sunday," said the 1894 Group. "4pm will still mean significant travel challenges for supporters.

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"Whilst some fans will now feel they can attend the game the best way to ensure an excellent turnout would be to move the game to 3pm and there is no reason why ITV with its’ numerous free-to-air channels cannot make this happen. This is not just a Manchester City issue.

"Next year this could be two other northern clubs being asked to kick off at 5.30pm - or later still. Fans of many other clubs can see this could apply to them in the future and we thank them for their support.

"Finally, thousands of pounds has been raised for MCFC Foodbank in three days so thanks to all