Man City fans to hold Community Shield screening at iconic Manchester venue as boycott continues

Manchester City fan groups are keeping up the pressure on the FA and broadcasters by arranging a screening of the Community Shield at an iconic city centre venue.

The 1894 fan group have encouraged supporters to consider boycotting the Community Shield clash with Arsenal on Sunday August 6 after growing increasingly frustrated at key games being scheduled at inconvenient times - particularly for showpiece fixtures at Wembley.

The Community Shield was originally scheduled for 5.30pm on the Sunday, but a backlash from City fans over understandable travel concerns - there would be a considerable lack of public transport options to return on the day - saw the FA backtrack and change the kick-off time to 4pm.

However, that still isn't pleasing the 1894 group, who say the game should kick off at 3pm, or ideally be switched to the Saturday. They have encouraged fans to boycott the fixture to make a point, and consider donating the cost of their match ticket to the MCFC Fans Foodbank Support group.

ALSO READ: 'It's the tipping point' - why Man City fans are still boycotting Community Shield despite kick-off U-turn

So far, £6,000 has been raised for the appeal, which will cover the costs of the Manchester Central Foodbank for a month. Now, both groups have organised a screening for fans to watch the Community Shield at iconic Manchester venue Band on the Wall.

In a statement, 1894 said: "With the kick-off time still scheduled for Sunday 4pm despite our public and private pleas to the FA, we have decided to press ahead and offer a venue where fans who feel strong-minded enough to withhold their money from the FA can also support the MCFC Foodbanks, who are run by inspirational volunteers and need our support continually. Come