The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust have confirmed that they declined an invitation from BT Sport to help produce fan orientated content ahead of our Champions League first leg Round of 16 clash against Borussia Dortmund.
The Football Supporters Federation reported at the end of the week that the refusal came following the broadcaster’s unwillingness, so far, to engage with fans over inconvenience when games are scheduled for the telebox.
With BT refusing earlier this month to change the conditional picks made in the previous round of TV selections that led to a number of clubs’ fans receiving only four weeks notice of games being rearranged, and the impact that has on travel and plans where fans are often left out of pocket, again highlighted the current problems in the system.
BT didn’t have to choose replacement teams so close to the games, but they would’ve lost their original slots.
“Normally we like to help with requests such as this, but we currently have a bit of an issue with BT Sport. For the last two years, fan organisations have been trying to work with the broadcasters and football authorities to mitigate the impact of TV fixture scheduling on supporters, particularly travelling fans. BT Sport has, however, refused to engage in conversation beyond an initial cursory meeting.”
With Spurs themselves suffering recently in the FA Cup tie at Tranmere on a Friday evening, and public transport making it impossible to get home without alternative plans, it’s obviously an issue close to the hearts of many.
“BT’s current approach of acting with impunity and disdain towards fans is not hitting the mark. We’re pleased you see fans as suitable material to use in content. If you could also see fans as suitable to have a proper, constructive conversation with to secure a deal that benefits everyone, we could work together productively.”
BT are yet to respond according to the report I spotted, but the move will highlight the long standing issues fans have with how games can apparently be rescheduled at random, with no thought given to those fans who do end up out of pocket with no recourse.