4:19pm Tuesday 16th March 2010
It is reported that ITV is seeking to move kick-off of the 2011 FA Cup final to 5.30pm because it believes the later time will bring them more advertising revenue.
How can the Football Association even contemplate discussing the issue with ITV? The FA Cup competition has been a great tradition since it began in 1872. The kick-off time has only ever been moved from 3pm three times in all of those years. The last occasion was in 1923, due to the huge crowd spilling onto the pitch.
I believe attempts by ITV to move the kick-off time will be hugely unpopular with football supporters everywhere. Travelling fans will be faced by a nightmare. Money has all but killed off our beautiful game and this would be yet another nail in the coffin.
If ITV is not prepared to screen the FA Cup final at its traditional time, it should give the showpiece back to the BBC. Personally, I hate having to watch football on ITV anyway. The idea of change being forced upon us should be shown a red card.
Ken Strudwick
Hayley Road, Lancing
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