Man City fans have threatened to Boycott the Community Shield due to the ‘atrocious’ kick-off time affecting matchday going Blues - demanding loyal fans are treated as a 'priority'

Manchester City fans are set to boycott the Community Shield in protest to the ‘atrocious’ kick-off time.

Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning side will kick off the 2023/24 campaign back at Wembley but could do so with a lack of support from the stands.

City’s triumph in the Premier League and FA Cup sees them face Arsenal in the pre-season silverware opener, but the organisers behind the game have been lambasted by City’s fan group ‘WeAre1894’ and supported by MCFC Fans Foodbank Support.

The fan group urged those planning to travel to London to boycott the game; citing in a statement that the kick-off time of 5:30pm on Sunday August 6, represents ‘significant travel challenges’ and demanded that match-going fans are ‘treated as a priority rather than an afterthought.’

In a statement the 1894 group said: “1894 urge you to join us in boycotting the Community Shield game against Arsenal on August 6th.

“The 17:30 kick-off time presents significant travel challenges from Manchester, making it difficult for many loyal supporters to attend. It's time match-going fans were treated as a priority rather than an afterthought.

“By boycotting this fixture, we aim to send a strong message to the FA and ITV about the impact scheduling has on fans. Our collective absence from the stadium will demonstrate our discontent and advocate for fairer game times in the future.

“We understand the love and dedication you have for City, but we believe that our collective action will bring about positive change.

“We ask fans, who are in a position to do so, to make either a £10 donation, or the equivalent cost of a match ticket, to MCFC Foodbank or another local charity.”

MCFC Fans Foodbank Support also backed the proposed boycott, labelling the kick-off time ‘atrocious’ and ‘made with zero consideration to supporters.’

In response to the support shown regarding the boycott, a JustGiving page has been set up. Over £3,500 has already been raised for the cause.

City contested last year’s Community Shield final against Liverpool which was hosted at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium, where 28,545 fans in total make the easier journey to the Midlands.