Politics
‘No magic’ – FA Cup TV picks leaves fans fuming with Man Utd and big Prem clubs shown but little for lower league sides
FANS have been left angered after the televised FA Cup third-round games were revealed – with ‘magical’ ties ditched in favour of the Premier League big-boys.
The cup weekend starts on Friday night on ITV1 as Swindon Town aim to slay reigning Prem champions Manchester City, with kick-off 8pm.
Saturday lunchtime sees Millwall host Crystal Palace – with the 12.45pm start also shown on ITV1.
BBC One and iPlayer will show Hull vs Everton at 5.30pm on Saturday evening.
In one of two televised all-Premier League game, West Ham host Leeds at 2.15pm on Sunday, with ITV1 having the rights for that game.
Arsenal’s trip to Nottingham Forest at 5.15pm on Sunday is also on ITV1.
The FA Cup third-round weekend concludes at 7.55pm on Monday night when Manchester United host Aston Villa on BBC One.
And while there are some tasty-looking fixtures on show, fans have been left disappointed for the lack of representation for lower-league teams – with Chesterfield’s game against Chelsea a particularly surprising snub.
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Taking to Twitter, one frustrating fan wrote: “Funny how the FA Cup squeeze every storyline possible out of the non-league sides, right up until the big boys get dropped in.
“Man Utd vs Aston Villa? Seriously?”
Another said: “You are joking? Man United and Villa picked instead of Chelsea v Chesterfield?”
A third added: “Completely missed the point as usual. People aren’t interested in two (weakened) PL teams playing one another.
“They want to see the non-league sides with a chance of an upset. How can they have overlooked the Chesterfield and Kidderminster games?”
One wrote: “West Ham play Leeds the week before in the league, Man Utd play Villa again in the league the week after.
“Show something we don’t see every other week FFS… Kidderminster v Reading, Chelsea v Chesterfield and Newcastle v Cambridge all far better choices.”
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