Football fans feel like an afterthought and want changes to be made to improve experiences
Fans have revealed what they would change about professional football – including better scheduling of away games, greater travel support from clubs and banning VAR.
A poll of 2,000 adults who attend football matches found 54% think their awayday experience could be improved as fans bemoan inconvenient kick-off times and one in four fans say better scheduling should be a priority.
Related articles Man Utd icon Gary Neville reacts as Man City SNUB Salford City FA Cup tie halted due to 'serious incident' as fan carried awayTwo thirds (67%) reported increasingly feeling like an ‘afterthought’ from football’s authorities, with trouble tracking down tickets also among the reasons even the most loyal football fans miss out on attending games.
The research was commissioned by UK shot brand, Fireball, which flew four Salford City fans in a helicopter ride to and from their team’s recent match against Newport County.
Ex-England star and Salford club co-owner, Paul Scholes also joined the fans as they headed off on the 400-mile round trip to South Wales.
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“We’re already known for offering subsidised away travel, something which this research shows football fans clearly care about.”
The study found 29% of respondents feel a main priority for clubs should be greater travel support for fans travelling to away matches.
Access to safe standing in the grounds also emerged as one of the top three changes fans wished for.
Paul Scholes joins the fans on their trip to Newport (Image: PinPep)Aside from away game changes, 19% think managers should be able to challenge refereeing decisions and VAR should be banned.
Among the more bizarre responses to what changes fans would like to see in the game were adding half-time musical performances (10%) and half-time cheerleader displays as standard (13%).
And more than a tenth (12%) would be happy to see an ‘All-Star’ game, made of two sides featuring the league’s best players.
The typical respondent who took part in the study by OnePoll.com stated they watch as many as 11 games live each year, with 70% believing it is important for football rules to adapt and evolve in line with modern technology and play styles.
Lorenzo Farronato, spokesperson for Fireball Whisky, said: “Our research has shown that the match going experience isn’t always a party, especially for away games that often involve long journeys, late nights and high costs.
“We think game day - as well as all other experiences shared amongst friends - should be fun and that fans should always come first.
“Football is a dynamic and evolving sport, and fans are always seeking ways to make the game even more exciting.
“We brought the heat to midweek for Salford fans, we’ll continue to infuse more fun and mischief into the moments they share with us.”
TOP 20 CHANGES FOOTBALL FANS WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THE GAME: Introduce a salary cap for all teamsGreater travel support from clubs in getting to away gamesBring back/increase the number of safe standing terraces in stadiumsBetter scheduling of away gamesBanning VARAllow managers to challenge refereeing decisionsBan foreign ownership of clubsLetting fans drink alcohol at their seats in stadiumHalf time cheerleader showsCreate an All-Star game with the league’s best playersDigital billboards showing funny football memes and live tweets mid-gameGetting rid of offsides so there are more goalsThe chance for regular people in the crowd to get brought onto the pitchSuperbowl-style half time musical performancesPost-match fireworksLetting fans decide substitutions by live-votingIntroduce pre-game penalty shootouts to break potential tiesIncrease goal sizes to encourage more goalsIntroduce multi-ball for the last 10 minutes of the gameFancy-dress themed matchesWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Football fans feel like an afterthought and want changes to be made to improve experiences
Football fans feel like an afterthought and want changes to be made to improve experiences
Football fans feel like an afterthought and want changes to be made to improve experiences
Football fans feel like an afterthought and want changes to be made to improve experiences
Football fans feel like an afterthought and want changes to be made to improve experiences
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