Peterborough release damning statement after ‘bitterly disappointing’ decision for huge FA Cup tie at Everton
PETERBOROUGH UNITED have slammed the “incredibly disappointing” decision to hold their FA Cup clash at Everton on a week day.
Peterborough were drawn with the Toffees in the third round of the competition and are currently penned to play at Goodison Park on Thursday, January 9.
The decision appears to have been made by the FA due to a scheduling conflict that also sees Everton‘s archrivals Liverpool playing in the city that week on Saturday against Accrington Stanley.
However, the Posh insist their supporters’ needs were not “taken into consideration” by the football chiefs as the current date would make it impossible for them to attend the FA Cup game.
The League One side understand the need to avoid having both Merseyside rivals playing on the same day but are strongly asking for a solution.
Peterborough stated: “There are no viable trains from Liverpool to Peterborough scheduled on the evening of the match meaning supporters must travel by car or coach.
“Supporters will be required to take two days off work to attend this incredibly important fixture and our younger fans will not be able to attend due to school commitments.
“We have never played a competitive game at Goodison Park and interest in the game is very high.
“An expected reduced home attendance would reduce the potential revenue for both Peterborough United and Everton.”
Peterborough chief executive Dawn Gore added that the FA’s decision will cost the EFL club in terms of important revenue.
Gore said: “Like our supporters, when the draw was made on Monday night, we were all very excited about travelling to Goodison Park.
“We were inundated with supporters requesting details for ticketing within hours of the draw being concluded.
“To learn that the game has been arranged for a Thursday night is bitterly disappointing.
“Whilst we understand there are logistical challenges, we do not feel the supporters have been considered in this approach.
“We have made our feelings very clear to the decision-makers at the top of the game and want to assure our supporters that we are just as disappointed as they are about when this game will take place and from a financial standpoint, the Club are set to lose out on revenue that would have been greatly appreciated as a club in Sky Bet League One.”
Peterborough fans were left fuming as some of them took to social media and said they can no longer attend the big game.
One supporter tweeted: “Can’t even go as I have no holiday entitlement left.”
Another commented: “Yet again it’s the fans that suffer.”
A third wrote: “Most fans have a few more choice words. Devastated and a total disregard for match day fans.”
This fan said: “Appalling.”
And that one stated: “Thursday night is scandalous.”