Advertisement

Why Blackburn Rovers vs Leeds United has been given unusual Championship kick-off time

dom howson
·2-min read
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Ewood Park has been a happy hunting ground for Leeds United in recent years. The Whites have won four of their last five league matches at Blackburn Rovers' home stadium.

If the Whites pick up maximum points this weekend, it will be the first time they have recorded three consecutive league wins at Ewood Park since November 1958. Over 7,000 fans will make the trip to Lancashire to cheer on Daniel Farke's in-form team.

But why is the clash kicking off at 1:30pm? A decision was made in September to bring the fixture forward by 90 minutes after a "request and intervention from Lancashire Police". In a statement, the police said: "Lancashire Police requested the kick-off time for the Blackburn Rovers versus Leeds United fixture on Saturday, November 30 be brought forward to 1.30pm to minimise the risk of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour. We look forward to welcoming Leeds United to Lancashire and hope all fans attending the fixture have a safe and enjoyable visit."

READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou left in awe of Archie Gray after what ex-Leeds United star did against Roma

READ MORE: Leeds United 'divas' comment in clearest clue yet of Brenden Aaronson's selection fate

United released a statement expressing their frustration over the kick-off change. The Championship leaders pushed back on an earlier start time too, understood to be noon on the same day.

A Whites statement read: “The club are frustrated this decision was not taken at an earlier date, which may now inconvenience the travel plans of supporters. The club also pushed back on an even earlier kick-off time, while ensuring the full away allocation at Ewood Park would be made available.”

Tomorrow's encounter will be the first Championship match on a Saturday to kick off at 1.30pm since February 2020, a 1-1 draw between Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday. United also won their last second tier game kicking off at 1.30pm, with Marcelo Bielsa guiding them to a win over Swansea City four years ago.