Play-off final kick-off could be changed

More support for the kick-off time of the Conference Play-off final to be brought forward from 7.30pm has come from Carlisle.

The Cumbrian club are backing the Nationwide Conference attempt to bring forward the kick-off for next months play-off final at Stoke's Britannia Stadium amid fears of crowd violence and transport problems for fans reports the Carlisle News and Star

Should they get to the final Carlisle would expect to take at least 15,000 and possibly 20,000 fans south, but the game might not finish until 10.30pm due to the possibility of extra-time and penalties.

There is no public transport available back to Carlisle at that time of night and police officials have also voiced concern about an evening kick-off.

Fred Story, the Carlisle chairman, said: "I've been in contact with John Moules (Nationwide Conference chief executive) and he is doing everything he can with Sky TV, the English FA and the Scottish FA to change the kick-off time.

"We are supporting his attempts as it would be much better if the game could begin at lunchtime. Families would be prevented from travelling if we reach the final, while the lack of public transport at that time of day wouldn't be satisfactory."

The Scottish FA took advantage of UEFA TV rules to originally object to a Saturday afternoon kick-off for the play-off final.

Carlisle United are understood to favour a noon kick off.

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