Once upon a time football matches across the nation set off in unison, with players lining up for the fabled moment that the clock would tick to 3pm. Everybody knew where they must be at that time, and were comfortable with the idea that halfway through the afternoon football would take over, with its weekly slot pre-arranged.
However, the modern game has seen a staggering change in playing times, with clubs across the world’s big leagues having their fixtures shuffled throughout the day in a bid to milk yet more money from the lucrative television market. It would be naïve to suggest that the power of television should be ignored, with its financial muscle supporting many aspects of the sport, but the warping of the traditional kick-off time may be having a detrimental effect on the spectacle.
This weekend’s clash between Arsenal and Chelsea had all of the potential to be a blockbuster of a tie, after the enthralling 5-3 score-line, in favour of the men in red, from earlier this season. Yet, as the final whistle rang around Emirates Stadium the atmosphere was somewhat subdued, with the 0-0 score-line, and quality of play, doing little to excite the vast quantity of supporters who piled through the turnstiles. As has been the case on a few occasions across the season, the early game had failed to deliver the excitement it looked to have promised, raising questions as to whether the mid-day start is detrimental to the quality of the on-field display.
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In recent weeks, many of the Premier League’s early kick-off’s have been subdued affairs, with Chelsea playing out some far from enthralling mid-day ties against both Tottenham and Norwich, and various others not quite matching up to the rip-roaring affairs produced throughout the rest of the afternoon. Although from time to time games of football will disappoint, it seems that increasingly high quantities of ties away from the traditional kick-off period are lacklustre affairs.
To attend one of the Premiership’s earlier starting games, fans often have to crawl from their slumber prior the break of dawn, before stumbling onto some form of transport to make the journey to the venue for the spectacle. Consequently once they have arrived, there is a slightly groggy ambiance, particularly during the winter months, decreasing the chances of an intimidating atmosphere, aside from some local derby ties. Although players have, arguably, the greater responsibility when it comes to inspiring, if they themselves are struggling, a subdued crowd will find it difficult to aid the men on the pitch. As a result the feeling around the ground can be, at times, one of an apathetic nature, with a lack of commitment from either party.
Kick-off times are unlikely to change, as the Premier League looks to market itself as a global brand. To stick to the traditional 3pm start would see other leagues from across the world gain a greater following in the football mad Far-East and North America, with the financial rewards they offer eventually devaluing the English game. It looks like the alteration of kick-off’s is here to stay, and we may just have to live with some lacklustre mid-day ties.
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