Angry Manchester United and Arsenal fans have taken to social media to voice their disapproval over the BBC’s decision to move the FA Cup sixth round tie between the two sides to a Monday night.
The game had originally been pencilled in for the weekend of 7/8 March but has now been moved to Monday 9 March in order to maximise television audiences.
United have already had to play Cambridge United on a Friday night and Preston North End on a Monday night during their run in the competition this season, so this is the third midweek televised fixture in succession.
The decision sparked fury among fans and many took to social media to vent their frustrations:
#mufc's home tie against Arsenal in the FA Cup sixth round will be played on Monday 9 March at 19:45 GMT.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 18, 2015
I can't believe the Man United vs Arsenal match moved to a Monday night. Less Arsenal fans going to the match- the BBC love United #fuming
— Ryan Bridgeman (@RyanBridgeman) February 18, 2015
United game on a Monday is an absolute joke
— Matthew Lord (@_MatthewLord) February 18, 2015
I never complain about kick-off times but for a such big game like United Vs Arsenal to be on a Monday night is ridiculous #FACup #MUFC
— Ross Wynne (@RossWynne16) February 18, 2015
Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity. Man United v Arsenal, Monday night…
— Danny Kay (@DKay_99) February 18, 2015
United away on a Monday night. The romance of the FA Cup is well and truly dead.
— Charley Newell (@AFC_Charley) February 18, 2015
United on the Monday night ? What a shambles that is for our fans #afc
— Arran Farrell (@ArranAFCSTL) February 18, 2015
United reached the quarter-finals of the competition with a 3-1 win over Preston thanks to goals from Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Wayne Rooney.
Olivier Giroud helped Arsenal see off the challenge of Middlesbrough by scoring a brace in a 2-0 win.
The decision to move the clash between the two sides is the latest in a series of blows to fans of the game. Supporters are becoming increasingly marginalised amid the huge TV money that clubs receive so it is no surprise to see the game moved.