Sky sympathise with Toon fans

Mar 23 2008 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

SKY TV has denied responsibility for the rescheduling of upcoming Newcastle matches at late notice.

United fans have been angered – and some left out of pocket – by the decisions to put back the Tyne-Wear derby by 24 hours to April 20 and make their game at Portsmouth on April 12 a 5.15pm kick-off.

The derby will be broadcast live on Sky, while the Pompey clash will be shown by Setanta.

Supporters who have made advance travel arrangements head a long queue of peeved punters.

But Sky Sports managing director Vic Wakeling – a lifelong Newcastle fan – has insisted he has every sympathy for supporters inconvenienced by the rearrangements.

“I have every sympathy with the fans over these late switches,” Wakeling told the Sunday Sun.

“Monthly deadlines for arranging live televised matches are set out in our Premier League contract, and have been adhered to throughout the current season – and, indeed, over the past 16 seasons of coverage on Sky Sports.

“Unfortunately, for reasons outside Sky’s control, there have been problems in finalising April selections, hence these late changes.

“I assure you, both Sky and the Premier League share your paper’s concerns re the welfare of all fans and we shall take steps to avoid late changes of this type in the future.”