There has been outrage this weekend after South Yorkshire Police controversially move the date of the Barnsley v Horsham FA Cup tie.
The much anticipated First Round clash at Oakwell will now be kicking off at 7.45pm on Friday the 3rd of November following consultation with local emergency services.
The decision to move the game has come under huge criticism, with Horsham FC committee vice-chairman Mark Barrett writing to South Yorkshire Police Commissioner Dr Alan Billings to express his ‘complete dismay’ at the forces’ decision.
In it, he writes: “Dear Dr Billings,
“I am writing to you to register my complete dismay that South Yorkshire Police have insisted that the FA Cup tie between Barnsley FC and Horsham FC should be played on Friday 3rd November instead of either on a traditional Saturday (3pm kick off) or at least as a second option, on the Sunday afternoon.
“As a result of this, hundreds of Horsham fans have been denied the opportunity to attend what is one of the biggest matches in the club’s 142 year history. A sizeable number of our adult supporters will not be able to attend as they simply won’t be able to take time off work, families will not be able to take their children out of school and those that do travel are now facing the cost of an overnight stay.
“Your force will have known the date for the FA Cup First Round Proper for months, what is disappointing is that there has been a lack of foresight to put a plan in place to accommodate a 3pm Saturday kick off if Barnsley were to be drawn at home.
“The cost to both clubs is considerable, as there will without a doubt be a smaller attendance than had the game gone ahead on a Saturday or a Sunday leading to thousands of pounds of lost revenue for both clubs. I sincerely hope you are not considering charging either club for failing in the duty of policing the event on a more appropriate date, as a result.
“I understand that there are other parties involved in this decision making process, however as the leading authority, I would urge you to seriously consider the process for policing FA Cup ties in the future or even do so for this fixture.
“I await the usual generic, automated response or welcome a more substantial discussion to the subject.
“Regards,
“Mark Barrett”
I doubt this will do anything but here is the personal email I sent to the South Yorkshire Police Commissioner regarding their insistence of @BarnsleyFC v @HorshamFC being played on the Friday night! pic.twitter.com/wctOaUfyRI
— Mark Barrett (@Moodyhornet) October 22, 2023
BARNSLEY STATEMENT
Our Emirates FA Cup first round clash with Horsham will take place on Friday 3 November, at the request of South Yorkshire Police.
It’s going to be an FA Cup tie under the Oakwell lights when the Reds welcome Horsham in the first round next month.
With three other South Yorkshire clubs in action on the Saturday, our game will be played at 7.45pm on Friday 3 November, to ease the impact on resourcing requirements.
Ticket details for the fixture will be released soon.
FA CUP UPDATE 🏆
Our #EmiratesFACup First Round tie at @BarnsleyFC will take place on Friday 3rd November, K/O 7.45pm!
Travel & ticket details to be announced soon. More info 👉 https://t.co/TbZoSa0PbX#HorshamFC 💛💚 pic.twitter.com/TaaVyz1Chj
— Horsham FC (@HorshamFC) October 22, 2023
HORSHAM STATEMENT:
Following consultation with local emergency services, our FA Cup 1st round tie at League One Barnsley will take place on Friday 3rd November, kick-off 7.45pm.
Whilst not ideal, we hope that our fans can still travel up to Oakwell in support of the team for what is a massive game and a magnificent achievement by the whole squad.
Full ticket and travel details will be announced over the coming days.
As mentioned, there is outrage after South Yorkshire Police controversially move the Barnsley v Horsham cup tie…
@RedsReport_: Not first time that a decision by the police impacts what would have been a great day out. Really hope this can be looked at…. Shocking decision!!!
@dazzmorley: Horshams big day ruined by South Yorkshire Police!!! No chance for families to get to the game and enjoy their day!!!! Rubbish!!!!
@adamwest71: This is a shambles – a total disrespect for Non-league football, I feel sorry for everyone involved, the fans the club and for the players, the players who might never get this far again, they are having their dream game diminished.
@doddytyke: Totally feel for all your fans that’s going to miss out on this due to it being on a Friday. South Yorkshire’s finest at their best!
@jordie_bfc: South Yorkshire police ruining football once again.
@ian_wfc: South Yorkshire Police in “bad football fan related decision” shocker…
@FcSaddlers: Larkhall Athletic supporter here and looking forward to your visit next week. I just eanted to say how unfair it is to arrange your first round FAC tie at Barnsley at such late notice. Such a terrible decision with no consideration for your supporters.
@hampshirehornet: An utterly nonsensical decision in which those who USED to matter, the fans, are the losers. Shameful.
@BaronofBarnsley: Absolutely shoddy behaviour. I really feel for the Horsham fans who now can’t make it, even our own fans who won’t be able to go. Absolute shambles.
@adthedoor: Bloody pathetic arrangement …
@Chris_D83: 😡 was planning to go up on Saturday with my son. Will never make it on a Friday without taking him out of school 🤬
@Woody65596415: Absolute shocking decision,feel sorry for The Barmy Army. Lots have to work on a Friday and the squad will have to take the day off work. Different for Barnsley as it’s there job. Hope it’ll be on TV!!!!
@aggersontour: Nooooooo ! That will affect how many travel up. Shocking decision. If the police can’t cope with all the Saturday games, why move the one with least likelihood off issues !
@hxrryjl: Awful decision. Makes it literally impossible for any Horsham fan to travel up without taking time off work and booking a hotel too. Shameful.
@kilnerlexi: Terrible decision. I just hope as many Horsham fans can make the journey. You are very welcome in Barnsley.
@The_Mannster: Pathetic decision – think of the fans travelling to the game and are we really expecting significant numbers from both home and away?
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