The Football Association (FA) has announced a change in the kick-off time for this year’s Community Shield match between Manchester City and Arsenal fans to 4 pm.
The change became imperative to avoid a boycott by fans of both club.
The game was initially slated to start at 5:30 pm, a development that agitated the fans.
The Football Supporters Association (FSA) warned the FA there would “undoubtedly” be empty seats if the game wasn’t brought forward.
But the FA in a statement on Tuesday said the kick off time has now been brought forward after consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The English football governing body said the decision was also taken to address the transport challenges that may be faced by City fans who’ll be returning to Manchester after the match.
In a statement, the FA said: “The 2023 FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium will now kick off at 16:00 BST on Sunday 6 August. The new earlier kickoff time for the traditional ‘curtain raiser’ of the domestic season has been agreed following consultation with our broadcast partners, the local authorities, police, and the competing clubs.
“The decision to move the kickoff time was taken following full consideration of the transport challenges for fans returning to Manchester after the match. Ticketing details for the 2023 FA Community Shield will be announced at the earliest opportunity.”
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