The Jags Foundation calls for better protection of Saturday afternoon fixtures for Championship teams
The hard fought victory up at Elgin secured Thistle’s place in our second quarter final of the season. The travelling support was outstanding and the very best of Partick Thistle.
It was therefore disappointing to learn that our quarter final tie against St Mirren would take place on a Sunday evening for broadcasting reasons. This unusual kick-off time, combined with the fixture being televised, is likely significantly to depress the attendance at what could have been a sellout tie between two fan owned clubs.
We all understand that broadcasting rights are a critical part of how Scottish football as a whole is funded, and that will sometimes mean that fixtures are moved from 3pm on a Saturday. But especially for Championship clubs like Thistle, it is causing increasing levels of fixture disruption without an obvious or significant financial up-side. It is eroding the value of season tickets and making it harder for Clubs to retain and grow their loyal fanbase.
In March, we will not play a single game on a Saturday because of circumstances completely outwith the Club’s control. After the St Mirren game, back to back fixtures will be televised on a Friday night, away to Morton and then at home in the top-table clash against St Johnstone.
As a direct result of the SFA arranging a televised international fixture in Glasgow early on a Saturday evening, our home tie against Ross County also had to be moved to a Friday night.
We know that there is little that one Club alone can do to challenge this situation. But Scottish football needs to have an honest conversation about how we provide a predictable product for fans and reach a better fit with broadcasting demands.
The Red and Yellow Army will, we are sure, still turn out in strong numbers on Sunday 8th March. But this scheduling decision is one that has put broadcast convenience first and fans second. And those are the wrong priorities.