Sheff Utd to refund Chelsea fans left out of pocket by bizarre kick-off change

The Premier League will ask Sheffield United to reimburse Chelsea fans who have been left out of pocket after their trip to Bramall Lane next month was rescheduled for the second time in three days.

Chelsea fans reacted angrily on Friday after the kick-off for the game on Sunday. April 7 was put back to 5:30pm, just three days after it had been moved to 1:30pm on the same day.

The Premier League are also understood to be frustrated at being forced to make yet another switch after the earlier kick-off time had been agreed with both clubs.

The second change is due to the Sheffield Half Marathon taking place in the city on the same day, although United, the local council and the police had not raised any objections until after the 1:30pm kick-off had been announced on Tuesday.

Chelsea Supporters Trust described the change as a 'kick in the teeth' and 'disrespectful,' particularly as many of them had already made travel fans and bought train tickets.

The CST also invited fans to email them details of any additional expenses they will incur if they attend the game, which they will send on to the Premier League, who are expected to forward them on to United.

'In a season where Chelsea have kicked off only four times at the traditional 3pm and have had many inconvenient kick-off time slots (including the first Christmas Eve fixture in 28 years), this is just another kick in the teeth to loyal match-going supporters.

'This is the latest occasion of supporters being treated with disrespect, especially as this issue was totally foreseeable.

'Our message to all parties involved with fixture scheduling is clear: stop treating match-going supporters with total disrespect or risk stadiums becoming lifeless, soulless, and without passion.'