The influence that television coverage has had over English football has long been obvious. The perceived disregard of fans in changing kick-off times to hinder supporters travelling to games has been a point of contention for a number of years. A recent dispute seems to have highlighted the hold that TV has on football is even stronger than perhaps first thought.
An upcoming game in the Championship between Huddersfield Town and Hull City has received attention amongst supporters and fan activist groups because of the restrictions placed on Hull City fans, who were given a reduced amount of tickets to sell and informed that anyone attending the game must travel on official coaches by West Yorkshire Police (WYP).
Supporters from both clubs voiced their concerns at the decision and the Football Supporters’ Federation was informed.
These restrictions were brought in because Sky wanted the game to be broadcast at 5.20pm. The West Yorkshire Police felt that this was not suitable due to risk assessment and the additional financial costs of switching.
The Huddersfield Daily Examiner has since revealed that had the game not been switched for Sky, Huddersfield faced the potential of a points deduction. As part of the Football League’s contract with Sky every club must have at least one game broadcast per season and the WYP had already blocked moves to have the Leeds and Cardiff home games switched for broadcast.
This is another example of Sky getting their way, and the fans again come off the worst. The WYP are by no means angels in this dispute either, the restrictions being imposed on travelling supporters worryingly echo how many fans feel they are treated by the police – as criminals.
Once more, it is those people who pour their money into following clubs, which essentially is the main source of consistent revenue for the majority of teams in the Football League, that suffer. The idea that Sky can have such influence is disconcerting to say the least. The threat of a points deduction should not be associated to whether a game is televised.
With the Football League still looking for a main sponsor from next season the last thing they need would be for one of their members to negate on a contract with one of their biggest sources of income in Sky. But the idea that Sky can just click their fingers and get what they want, even when it puts out so many people, is not a healthy way for football to be run.
What this case has emphasised is the power Sky holds over the Football League when it comes to the fixtures, and how and when fans can view games.
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