We have often heard it said that TV companies are making it increasingly difficult for travelling NUFC fans of late and their latest move is possibly the worst yet.
Rafa Benitez’s side and the travelling Toon Army were set to make the trip to West Ham on Saturday 23rd December to face the Hammers in a 3pm kick off at the London Stadium, however it has now emerged that Sky may move the Premier League fixture to CHRISTMAS EVE as part of a new ‘Super Sleigh Bell Sunday’. A potentially ridiculous move, showing a total disregard for travelling supporters once again.
Traditionally, games have not been played on Christmas Eve and for very good reason, with this potential rescheduling handing us a gruelling 560 mile round trip in the hours before Christmas day.
REPORTS: Newcastle United look set to face West Ham at the London Stadium on Christmas Eve.
That's a 560-mile round trip. ? pic.twitter.com/6WdIw4WHox
— bet365 (@bet365) October 5, 2017
Here’s what The Guardian had to say about the possible rearrangement:
‘On Monday, it emerged the second match being mooted for rescheduling to Christmas Eve is West Ham v Newcastle, which would almost certainly occupy the 1.30pm TV slot and mean a round trip of 560 miles for travelling Geordies, who, unlike Father Christmas, do not have the luxury of airborne sleighs drawn by reindeer to speed them home.’
Given our location, we have it tough enough – not that the TV companies make allowances for this – however this is yet another potentially dreadful and thoughtless decision which is sure to be met be entirely justified discontent from all involved – with plans for Arsenal vs Liverpool to be arranged for Christmas Eve also.
Here’s how both Newcastle and West Ham fans have reacted on Twitter – with some already planning potential boycotts:
If West Ham vs Newcastle gets moved to Christmas Eve SURELY both sets of supporters have to boycott it & send a clear message to PL, Sky/BT.
— Andrew Haynes (@AndrewHaynes94) October 5, 2017
West Ham v Newcastle is possibly being moved to Christmas Eve so it can be put on TV…
Where's the consideration for away fans? Dreadful.
— HLTCO (@HLTCO) October 5, 2017
If #westham and #Newcastle game is moved to Christmas Eve it will show fans are no longer important #shocking #sadstateofaffairs
— Stewart Henderson (@stewarthend) October 5, 2017
Is the West Ham v Newcastle definitely Xmas eve thought Westfield would have something to say as arguably busiest day of the year
— hammertime (@barry_usher) October 5, 2017
So West Ham vs Newcastle and arsenal Liverpool has both been rearranged for Christmas Eve! Nice to see the prem looking after the fans ?
— Charlie Rackham (@rackham_charlie) October 5, 2017
West Ham vs Newcastle on Xmas Eve. Your not gonna get back until the early hours of Xmas Day. Surely that can't happen #NUFC
— CΛLVIN (@Calvo98_) October 5, 2017
West Ham v Newcastle possibly being moved to Xmas Eve.
Always thinking of the fans
— Gary Wolf (@hyena4) October 5, 2017
Sort it out Sky – without fans there’d be no Premier League football. Ridiculous.
