Manchester City fans are encouraged to boycott the upcoming Community Shield final against Arsenal at Wembley.
The match, which serves as the traditional curtain-raiser to the new season in English football, will see City, the winners of last season’s treble, take on Arsenal, the Premier League runners-up.
However, the City supporters’ group known as 1894 has called on fans to stay away from the game.
The 1894 group argues that scheduling the match for 5:30 pm poses significant travel challenges for fans who would have to return to Manchester, with the likelihood of returning home after midnight.
Moreover, they have doubts about Wembley’s suitability as a venue for City fans.
The group stated, “The 17:30 kick-off time presents significant travel challenges from Manchester, making it difficult for many loyal supporters to attend. It’s time match-going fans were treated as a priority rather than an afterthought.”
Their statement continues, “By boycotting this fixture, we aim to send a strong message to the FA and ITV about the impact scheduling has on fans. Our collective absence from the stadium will demonstrate our discontent and advocate for fairer game times in the future.
“We understand the love and dedication you have for City, but we believe that our collective action will bring about positive change. We ask fans, who are in a position to do so, to make either a £10 donation, or the equivalent cost of a match ticket, to MCFCFoodbank or another local charity.”
The clash between Manchester City and Arsenal is set to provide a preview of the new season, with both teams hoping to make a statement after finishing first and second in the previous season.
However, City’s pre-season preparations will kick off with a tour of Japan, starting with a match against Bayern Munich on July 26.
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