"The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust."
Psalm 18 v 2
Earlier this year, we reported of our concern regarding the number of Premier League games now being played on Sundays. We also mentioned that Malcolm Clark, Chairman of the Football Supporters Federation wished to see a significant reduction in Sunday matches.
In December a letter was sent from the Society to all twenty premier League Clubs expressing our deepest concern at this increase in games being played on the Lord’s Day.
We received ten replies from the twenty clubs who received our letter, namely:
Arsenal
Aston Villa
Blackburn Rovers
Chelsea
Everton
Fulham
Middlesbrough
Sunderland
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Most of the clubs who replied were understanding of the concerns in our letter and acknowledged that many supporters preferred matches to be played on the traditional Saturday. Chelsea, however, was the only club who clearly stated that they ‘would not back any attempt to change Premier League matches being played on a Sunday, especially on religious grounds. As a club we make no decisions on religious grounds on any level.’
The most interesting reply came from Bill Kenwright, chairman of Everton Football Club. The contents express what we have felt for many years. We appreciate his honesty and clarity.
‘Dear Mr Roberts,
‘Thank you so much for your letter.
‘There is little that I, or indeed anyone, could argue about in your words. I don’t believe that there is anyone in football who is not concerned about ‘the number of Premier League matches now being played on Sundays.’ However, it is a symptom of the world we live in that ‘the vast amount of money offered by television companies to obtain the rights to cover these matches’ dictates the most profitable time to televise them. Both myself, and manager, David Moyes are committed churchgoers, and would love the situation to be otherwise, but of every industry I have ever been involved in, Football is the most competitive, and I fear that the questions that people like yourselves can ask, will very seldom be answered.
‘I thank you for taking the time and trouble to write to me, and for the knowledge that you share.’