Veterans and football fans are asking organisers to move the kick-off time of the Sheffield steel city derby on Remembrance Sunday due to its proximity to commemoration events.
The 12:00 match between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday was initially scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday 9 November, but was later moved to the following day.
Veteran and Sheffield United supporter Geoff Dakin said despite being a long-term season ticket holder, his seat at Bramall Lane would “probably be empty” on Remembrance Sunday.
The clubs said they would work together in the lead up to the fixture, with plans being made for a wreath-laying ceremony prior to kick-off.
Mr Dakin, 70, from Hackenthorpe, is a member of the Coldstream Guards Association’s Sheffield branch and served in the armed forces for 22 years.
“I can’t get my head around that they want a kick-off at twelve when they could have had it on a Saturday morning or Sunday evening,” he said.
“If this kick-off happens then my seat will probably be empty because I’ll be stood at the memorial paying my respects to the war dead.”
He added: “It’s not only the Second World War dead I’m paying respects to, it’s the lads that I served with who lost their lives in conflict.”
Labour’s Clive Betts, Sheffield South East MP, told the Sheffield Star he was “concerned” about the timing, with Sheffield Wednesday fan and former Coldstream Guard Neil Vaughan calling it “disrespectful”.
An English Football League (EFL) spokesperson said the timing of the fixture had been determined by discussions between the police, EFL, the clubs and other local authorities.
They said: “We understand that many fans will want to pay their respects to servicemen and women affected by wars past and present, and are supporting the clubs in their plans for a wreath-laying ceremony before kick-off on the day of the game.”
In a joint statement, Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday said: “While appreciating the significance of Remembrance Sunday, the date and kick-off time for the fixture has been determined by discussions that have taken place with numerous stakeholders.
“Both clubs will work collaboratively in the lead up to the fixture as we understand that Sheffielders – regardless of allegiance – will want to show their respect to military and civilian service personnel.”
Supt Charlotte Bloxham, of South Yorkshire Police, said the force’s priority was ensuring residents and visitors “remain safe” when out and about in Sheffield.
“We are working closely with both Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United and the local council ahead of this exciting derby game to ensure that everyone can enjoy the match,” she said.
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