Late decision making disrespects travelling fans

Manchester’s City late decision to postpone this afternoon’s game against West Ham has been slammed by West Ham supporters already in Manchester or on their way to the Etihad stadium.

The Met Office warned about Storm Ciara with winds up to 90 mph on Thursday lunchtime so it should have come as little surprise to football authorities.

Claret and Hugh reached out to both West Ham and the Premier League on Thursday to ask if the game could be postponed but were told the game was likely to go ahead.

West Ham and British transport police advised travelling West Ham fans on Friday to allow more time and to travel up early because of adverse weather conditions. Hammers fans heeded that warning and many left early this morning.

News broke on social media that Manchester City were having a Safety meeting at 10 am with a decision expected by 11 am but that meeting was not widely publicised.

At 11.15 am Manchester City announced the decision to postpone the game saying it had been made by their Manchester City safety officer after consultation with other stakeholders which were presumably Greater Manchester Police and Manchester Council who issues the safety certificate for the Etihad.

While public safety should always come first in this kind of situations it could be argued that the delay in making the decision was more likely from perceived pressure from broadcasters with a global TV audience of many millions wanting to watch the game.

It could also be argued that the decision should have been made on Friday before West Ham fans put themselves at risk by travelling to Manchester.

Maybe Sky, the Premier League and Manchester City can put some money into a fund to compensate West Ham fans for their out of pocket expenses for needless dangerous journies.