York City Supporters’ Trust have taken to criticise TNT Sports and the National League over a TV pick that has come at short notice.
The National League confirmed on Friday (15th December) that York City will play Boreham Wood match at Meadow Park, which had been originally scheduled for the 6th of January, has now been moved to the 7th of January (2pm) to accommodate broadcast on TNT Sports.
This decision hasn’t gone down very well, many left angry, considering those who planned on going to the game had already booked transport and accommodation for the match with takes place in three weeks time.
📺 The Minstermen’s visit away to Boreham Wood on January 6th will now take place on Sunday, January 7th (kick-off 2pm), having been selected by @TNTSports for live broadcasting.
Super City, back on TNT! 👊#YCFC 🔴🔵
— York City FC (@YorkCityFC) December 15, 2023
An open letter to @TheVanaramaNL & @tntsports relating to the game between @BOREHAM_WOODFC and @YorkCityFC in January. https://t.co/EElkiST2bj#YCFC
— York City FC Supporters’ Trust (@ycfcst) December 15, 2023
OPEN LETTER:
“On behalf of the members of the York City Supporters’ Trust and the wider community of York City fans, we write to express our collective concern and disappointment regarding the recent decision to move the Boreham Wood vs York City match from the 6th to the 7th of January to accommodate TNT Sports broadcasting.
“While we understand the importance of television coverage for the growth of our league, we wish to highlight the significant burden this change imposes on our loyal supporters, especially during the holiday season, a time when financial constraints are acutely felt.
“Many of our supporters have already incurred substantial costs in booking transport and accommodation for the original fixture date. The three-week notice provided is insufficient for fans. This unexpected change has placed an undue burden on their already tight budgets, creating an unwarranted strain emotionally and financially.
“Football, as we learned throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, is nothing without fans. The heart and soul of the game lies in the passion, dedication, and attendance of supporters. The unintended consequence of this fixture change will undoubtedly be a reduction in the away attendance from York City supporters, impacting the vibrant atmosphere that our fans create “watching Super City putting on a show”, and reducing the gate income for Boreham Wood.
“In the National League’s announcement, it was stated that TNT Sports had delivered “an early Christmas present” for supporters. Unfortunately, for York City fans, this is far from a Christmas present, instead it is turning in to ‘The Nightmare of Meadow Park’.
“We believe in the spirit of fairness and collaboration and kindly request your understanding of the predicament faced by our supporters. In light of the circumstances, we appeal for your support in mitigating the impact on our fans.
“We kindly request assistance in the form of providing free transport for those affected and reimbursement for fans who have already incurred travel and accommodation expenses.”
This is what fans had to say as the York City Supporters’ Trust criticise TNT Sports and National League over the short notice TV pick…
@WhiteRoseScouse: Very fair and reasonable case, excellently made. I hope none of my own “early” Christmas presents actually turn up two weeks after the big day and like a dollop of 💩
@steveparker1978: Vey late decision moving this 3 weeks before, very poor, travelling fans done over again who have booked rail travel. Especially as its 3.5 hours just to get to London that day due to rail engineering works
@steveparker1978: No thought for the fans moving games at 3 weeks notice, thanks for that after rail tickets have been booked weeks.
@steveparker1978: Hopefully they`ll have a re-think
@morganzwynne: Good thought for the train that well done lads . Sunday funday no more 👎
@Luke_J_A_P: Guess I’m a bit lucky, hadn’t got round to booking our rail tickets and hotel room 🙄 Crap like this makes me feel like cancelling our @tntsports subscription
@cheapmansvest: Horrible decision!
@RickyThomasblog: What about the fans who’ve already made plans? Once again, supporters are last on the list.
@tinmanrawcliffe: Who is refunding my premier inn?
@Yorkie127: Early Christmas present you say…. what about those of us who have booked travel ages ago…. disgraceful
@YCFCfans1: As always @tntsports putting fans first, less than a month to go 🤨🤨. Tossers
@LSissoYCFC: Useless cunts.
@YCFC_Coops: I trust you will be refunding pre booked rail fares in full for the original date? Thought not. Thoughtless.
@thecrescent78: The press release from the National League describe this as “an early Christmas present”…not for those York City supporters that have already made plans. Ridiculous change at less than a month’s notice #ycfc
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