Our FA Cup tie at Sunderland has been switched to 1pm on Sunday January 4th, but it seems that it’s not going to be televised live. That is taking the piss.

When I heard that the game had been moved I naturally assumed that this was because of television coverage, so at least those fans who would have trouble getting there at that time would have the option of staying at home and watching it on TV or in the pub. I’d been anticipating that our game would be selected for live coverage, if only to give the media the chance to have yet another 1973 nostalgia fest at our expense.

But no. Five other third round ties will be televised by the BBC and BT Sport at various times up until Tuesday night, but not ours. OK, the repeat of last year’s final was an obvious choice, as were the Liverpool and Man U games, while Dover v. Palace is non-league against a Premiership club, albeit an unexciting one. But do we really need to see Everton v. West Ham?

So we’ll have to assume that the game has been moved at the request of the Police. Thanks a lot guys. You’ve moved it to a time when a lot of fans will find it harder to travel to Sunderland, especially anyone dependent on public transport. Not that they will care about that, of course.

The official Leeds site has confirmed that we will get about 5,400 tickets, with priority going to fans who have been to the most away games. At least the ticket prices are being reduced, so the fans who do manage to get tickets will only have to pay £15 for adults and £5 for concessions.

Let’s hope that for all the Leeds fans who do make the effort to get up at some ungodly hour on the Sunday to travel to Sunderland the result will make it all worthwhile.

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