"Commercialism has overtaken sporting fairness" say Arbroath FC

Arbroath are hitting out at the SPFL for bringing forward their forthcoming visit to Dundee Utd.

The Tannadice club requested a switch to the evening of Friday October 27th due to their centenery celebrations.

However the part-time Red Lichties say most of their players will be working during the day.

"Significant sporting disadvantage"

In a hard-hitting statement Arboath chiefs said : "Arbroath FC Board of Directors carefully considered this request, however due to the majority of the Club’s Players having to work on a Friday in their ‘day’ jobs, playing on the Friday evening has a negative impact on Team/Player pre match preparation and thus places the Club at a significant sporting disadvantage. In addition, the Club also advised the SPFL that changing the game to the Friday evening would cause inconvenience to our Supporters many of whom travel a distance to watch the Team playing.

Accordingly, Arbroath FC objected to the change however the SPFL advised that they were to agree the request from Dundee United.

"Commercialism has overtaken sporting fairness"

The Club then made further detailed representations objecting to this decision basing our position on the negative impact this change would have on the Club’s preparations and the unfairness of the decision in respect of Arbroath FC, in terms of sporting integrity and disadvantage.

Despite the Club’s objections the SPFL have agreed to Dundee United’s request for a change of date.

This is not the outcome that Arbroath FC anticipated as it is the view of the Club’s Directors that the commercialism surrounding this ‘Centenary’ event has overtaken sporting fairness and the integrity of the Cinch Championship competition."