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Monday, 23 June, 2003, 12:26 GMT 13:26 UK

Fans vent anger over TV deal

Arsenal and Manchester United do battle in the Premiership Manchester United fans are to meet Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore over concerns about the proposed new television schedule.

The Independent Manchester United Supporters' Association have reacted angrily to plans to increase the number of live matches from the current 106 games to 138.

United launched a campaign towards the end of last season to protect the traditional 3pm kick-off time on a Saturday after playing only 10 times in that slot.

" This is a real kick in the teeth for us "
Jules Spencer
IMUSA chair Jules Spencer


Across the recommended TV packages, broadcasters will now be able to show the Old Trafford club live 25 times.

That means before changes for other reasons United will be down to 13 3pm Saturday kick-offs.

IMUSA chair Jules Spencer said: "We had a great response to our 3pm campaign last season from all sections of United's support, from teenagers to the disabled. This is a real kick in the teeth for us."


The announcement by the league last week follows constructive talks with the European Commission, which had objected to the previous deal on the grounds that it prohibited competition.

A final agreement has yet to be secured, but the league believes the new deals will see more televised matches on Saturdays and fewer on other days of the week.

IMUSA press officer Mark Longden added: "The Premier League will argue that they had to increase the number of games to satisfy the EU competition enquiry so the they could retain the collective deal.


"How can it be a collective deal when United were on TV 23 times last season and Charlton five times with the associated difference in revenues gained?

"IMUSA would settled for 138 live games if they were split evenly between the 20 Premier League clubs making 14 live games each which is more than the 50% 3pm kick-offs we are asking for.

"Richard Scudamore has agreed to meet IMUSA. We hope this meeting takes place soon before any deal is signed and we are stuck with it for three years."



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