Chelsea fans furious as kick-off time changed for second time in three days for bizarre reason

Chelsea fans were left furious after the kick-off time for their clash at Sheffield United was changed for the second time in three days.

The Blues head to Bramall Lane on Sunday April 7 in a match that was initially scheduled to kick-off at 1.30pm following the latest round of fixture amendments announced on Tuesday.

That would have prompted some Blues fans to begin making travel and accommodation plans for the Premier League clash.

But in a move that has left Chelsea fans seething, the kick-off time has been switched to 5.30pm following a request from Sheffield United.

A statement on the Premier League website read: “The Premier League fixture between Sheffield United and Chelsea has been moved from 13:30 to 17:30 BST on Sunday 7 April.

“This is due to a request from the home Club. This kick-off time has been selected to allow adequate return travel for visiting supporters.”

The Chelsea Supporters Trust have reacted angrily to the news and released a statement, pointing out the inconvenience placed on fans who had made early travel plans.

“We have been informed that the change has had to be made due to the Sheffield Half Marathon which takes place earlier that day,” said the CST.

“There has been a suggestion that the decision makers were unaware of the Half Marathon when initially authorising the lunchtime kick-off, despite the Sheffield Half Marathon being a long-standing event in the city centre.

“In a season where Chelsea have kicked off only four times at the traditional 3pm and have had many inconvenient kick-off time slots (including the first Christmas Eve fixture in 28 years), this is just another kick in the teeth to loyal match-going supporters.

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“This is the latest occasion of supporters being treated with disrespect, especially as this issue was totally foreseeable. Our message to all parties involved with fixture scheduling is clear: stop treating match-going supporters with total disrespect or risk stadiums becoming lifeless, soulless, and without passion.”

In a move to reimburse fans who have been inconvenienced by the change, the CST have asked supporters to email them with proof of any additional expenses incurred, which they will send to both clubs.