Newcastle United supporters hardest hit by late Premier League fixtures amid 'disgusting' claim

Newcastle United supporters have been the hardest hit in the Premier League by fixture changes and late kick-offs, it seems. Newcastle have been a regular pick for broadcasters Sky Sports and TNT Sports this season and this Saturday night, Eddie Howe's side will make the arduous journey down to north London to take on Arsenal.

That Premier League encounter kicks off at 8pm and with the last train back to the North East leaving at 9pm, many travelling supporters have had to make alternative arrangements. It's not the first time Newcastle fans have been asked to make lengthy journeys to make late kick-offs, though, with fresh data published by the Daily Mirror highlighting the lengths supporters have been asked to go to to follow their team.

The Magpies have had eight away games scheduled to kick-off after 7pm this season, including FA cup ties. Manchester United have had the same amount of late kick-offs, but the distance to and from those contests hardly compares, with Newcastle fans travelling an eye-watering 2,898 miles compared to the Red Devils' 1,524.

That figure includes trips to face Chelsea (a 522-mile round trip), Fulham (521 miles) and this weekend's fixture with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium (517 miles), which has been moved following the Gunners' Champions League outing in midweek.

Wolves and Manchester City have been asked to make six journeys for late kick-offs, while Tottenham, Burnley, Chelsea, Luton and Brighton have all had five away games kicking off after 7pm. Liverpool, on the other hand, have had just one.

The data comes just a few weeks after a Wor Flags protest at St James' Park against the sheer amount of late kick-offs their fans have been forced to contend with this season. A banner read 'TV before fans', while the group also released a statement online describing the kick-off times Newcastle have been handed this season as 'disgusting'.

"Today's display in the Gallowgate is dedicated to highlighting the disgusting kick-off times that have been afforded to us by broadcasters in both the Premier League and The FA Cup since the turn of the year, making a mockery of the Green Football Weekend which is being celebrated by certain broadcasters," the statement read.

"Newcastle United fans are some of the most passionate and loyal fans around, dedicated to following our team around the country. It is that dedication and passion that is completely taken for granted by TV companies and football's governing bodies. To date, we have only had one Saturday 3pm kick-off away from home this season.

"The cost of being a football fan is getting ever greater, with increased costs on trains, buses and fuel for cars making it an expensive venture, yet the incessant attitude of putting match-going fans last is putting huge strain on supporters.

"Whilst we still fill away ends, we have not forgotten about those fans priced out by the greed in the game, those who made English football so attractive to the world audience. Late announcements of games to suit broadcasters and those watching on TV has a huge impact on the fans they all claim are the lifeblood of the game.

"We are calling on broadcasters, the Premier League, The FA and the clubs to do more for match-going fans. Stop with the unsociable kick-off times, make it fairer for fans travelling and stop your greed."