Premier League's fixture stance vindicates Man City fan-led protests

'It could be you' has been the take-home message behind Manchester City's recent fan-led recent protests, with the 1894 supporters' group calling for a boycott of next month's Community Shield.

City will start the traditional curtain raiser against Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday, August 6, but the Football Association's decision to pencil in a 5.30pm kick-off caused outrage among those planning to head south amid travel concerns at a late finish. Kick-off has been moved to 4pm, but fans remain unhappy at what seems to be an attitude of prioritising a television audience over the match-going fan. It's a trend that has been steadily increasing but recent years have seen it rocket with broadcast revenues following suit.

"Next year this could be two other Northern teams and a 5.30pm kick-off or later still may be suggested again," a statement from the 1894 group read last week on the Community Shield. "We also face 7pm kick-off times on a Sunday in the Premier League from 2024-25. So it is important we try and push back on broadcasters and hopefully fans of other clubs will see this potentially affects us all."

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Those organising the boycott will feel vindication in their efforts, following Saturday's announcement of Premier League fixtures which have been rearranged for broadcast. City have seen two more of their opening seven games moved as a result, joining the opening weekend game against Burnley in being shown live on TV.

Most notable is the home game against Newcastle United, which remains on Saturday, August 19, but will now kick off at 8pm, to be shown live on TNT Sports - the successor to BT Sport. City are the fortunate ones in this instance given they