Source: Liverpool_Echo
Uefa refuses to budge over Everton FC tea time match
UEFA today refused to budge over ludicrous rules which will force Everton FC to play a key European tie at 5.45pm on a Tuesday.[LNB]It will leave thousands of fans with a headache over how to get to the first-leg clash against Sporting Lisbon on February 16 and has left fans groups fuming.[LNB]Uefa said the move was necessary following a fixture clash with Liverpool FC, who face Romanian side Unirea Urziceni in the standard Thursday night slot on February 18.[LNB]European footballs governing body said Evertons match could not be played any later than 5.45pm or it would clash with Champions League TV coverage.[LNB]Today, Everton said the timing of the fixture would hit attendance at the match.[LNB]Fans groups hit out at Uefas rules, which moved the Blues to the inconvenient slot instead of the Reds because Liverpool finished higher in the Premier League last season.[LNB]John Munro, chairman of the Southport Everton Supporters Group, said: These people sit in their offices drinking fine wine and could not care less about the supporters.[LNB]I do not give a damn who finished higher in the domestic league this is the Europa League we are talking about. Surely it would have been fairer to toss a coin.[LNB]Uefa spokesman Rob Falkner said because both Everton and Liverpool were unseeded in yesterdays last 32 draw, they had to play their first leg matches at home, causing the clash.[LNB]He added: It is a shame there is a clash, but it is not the only case it is just the peculiarity of the draw.[LNB]I am sure Everton fans will manage to get there on time.
