FC United provide angry response after request to reschedule Cup game for TV

The BBC intend to launch a ‘brand new BBC Mobile Match of the Day Live Experience’ in coming weeks, an idea which will see presenters in dialogue with managers, substitutes  and fans.

To help with the launch, the broadcaster contacted FC United to see if they would reschedule an FA Cup Fourth Round clash with Sporting Khalsa on Saturday.

https://twitter.com/FCUnitedMcr/status/647771913566162944

This was flatly denied by FC United, who made their feelings clear in a statement:

Despite the strongly-worded statement, the BBC appear intent to press ahead with their new idea.

Quoted in the Mirror, a BBC Spokesperson said:

“Our aim was, and remains, to showcase the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup in a unique and innovative way, taking the audience closer to a game and behind the scenes of a match – also starting our coverage of the world’s oldest cup competition earlier than ever before.”

Here is the FC United statement in full:

‘Match-going supporters should not have to be inconvenienced for the benefit of those who rarely, if at all, attend matches.

‘If BBC viewers would like to understand the fans’ experience at a football game there are numerous real life games at every level throughout the country and the easiest way for TV viewers to access the real fans’ experience is to go along to a match.

‘We call upon the FA to remember that football is a sporting competition and the associated drama comes from the highs and lows of the game itself.

‘It does not reflect well on the custodians of our game that they would devalue the sporting integrity of their flagship competition by encouraging TV presenters to interfere with those in the dugouts or changing rooms when they are working to produce the best competitive elements of the game.

‘Nor should TV have access to substitutes when warming up, because those players are athletes preparing properly to be able to compete at their best.

‘TV exposure and the revenue it generates are important to football.

However, we believe that the balance has swung way too far in favour of the TV companies – and too far away from the match-going, admission paying, regularly attending football supporter.’