Sky condemned by supporters - again

Fans of both West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion have slammed Sky for insisting that the forthcoming Championship clash between the two clubs be moved from a Saturday to Monday.

It was revealed yesterday that the game - originally planned for a 3pm kick off on Saturday, 22nd October has been moved to the following Monday (24th) at the request of Sky Sports.

However supporters of both United and Hove Albion are up in arms at the decision that will cost travelling fans thousands of pounds - with no opportunity for compensation.

"Disgusting," wrote one KUMB member last night. "Most people would already have booked travel, those who didn't probably would have today. Hotels are (mostly) refundable so [that's] not a problem, but don't think we'll get much back for the trains."

Meanwhile over on Brighton site northstandchat.com, the natives were equally enraged by the decision to postpone the match by 48 hours.

"I'm sure a lot of other season ticket holders who live at a distance are going to be totally annoyed at this," wrote withdeanwombat. "It has ruined a whole family weekend for us,and is a total bloody disgrace."

Supporters have also criticised the timing of the announcement, which came hours after it was been revealed that West Ham's 2,200 allocation has been sold out.

Complaints regarding Sky's late amendments to their TV schedule are nothing new to West Ham United followers. Travelling fans first hit out at the TV company back in 2002 after the opening game of the 2002/03 season at Newcastle was moved from a Saturday to Monday night at late notice.

Sky's 'Viewing Relations Officer', Helen Forbes, told KUMB.com at the time: "Sky have no plans to compensate for financial loss which may have arisen due to this fixture being changed.

"All decisions concerning what teams will be featured in our live football coverage are made in conjunction with the Football Association and the individual club concerned.

"Whilst it is worth pointing out that the football fixtures listings are always subject to change, we make every effort to provide fans and viewers with as much advance notification as possible."

Those wishing to register a complaint to West Ham United FC regarding this issue may do so here: http://www.whufc.com/page/ContactUs/0,,12562,00.html.