Charlton Athletic take on Preston North End at the Valley this weekend and the Addicks’ supporters have been impressed by the dedication of the opposition supporters. The game is live on Sky Sports Football and as a result, kick-off is scheduled for noon.
The Preston North End supporters will make a 488-mile round trip and the early kick-off time certainly isn’t helpful to those making the journey. The circumstances, however, have not deterred their fans from buying tickets and the club announced they would be making more available as their original allocation has almost sold out – prompting praise from the Charlton faithful.
Great support ?
— . (@CafcJimB) October 31, 2019
Fair play lads?
— James_CAFC (@JamesTarget03) October 31, 2019
Superb effort and hope you all have a safe – if long- journey down to The Valley and back. Pointless of course?
— Shiloh62 (@peterbarratt13) October 31, 2019
Top support that well in lads. See ya Sunday ???
— rhys. (@rhysieboyhbenns) October 31, 2019
Damn fine effort chaps . Enjoy your day out hope you get best of course
— Martin (@MartCAFC45) October 31, 2019
Great effort by the Preston fans, have a safe trip down to the greatest stadium in South London #COYR
— Lee Fender CAFC (@LeeFender4) October 31, 2019
What do we think?
Often, we talk about the big broadcasting corporations not taking the fans into consideration. This is a prime example of that and given they are the heart-beat of our very sport it’s completely, and utterly, out of order. Expecting the travelling Preston contingent to make it down to London in time for a midday kick-off is ludicrous, to say the least.
Whilst they deserve immense credit for overcoming the challenges regarding the scheduling that shouldn’t deter from the real issue which is supporters not being prioritised by the league and powerful broadcast corporations.
However, with the Charlton fans showing how class of an act they are in regards to appreciating the crowd their opposition will be bringing with them to The Valley is something that the club can look proudly on.