Churches slam Premier League for Easter fixture

The Premier League is under fire from church groups for staging fixtures on Easter Sunday, with Aston Villa’s game against visitors Everton in the firing line.

In open letters sent to the Premier League, television broadcasters and to Aston Villa, two church organisations in the Villains’ home city of Birmingham, central England, blasted the scheduling, saying it would cause “chaos” and showed “distain” for traditions, religious supporters and club staff alike.

They also questioned how the Sunday Trading Act 1994 prevents large stores in England and Wales from opening on Easter Sunday and Christmas Day, but does not stop major football matches from taking place.

Aston Churches Working Together, which represents nine local churches near Villa Park, said the Everton game would prevent worshippers from attending.

“We understand that Sunday is now a work day for many people. However, Easter Sunday is different… only Christmas Day is treated in the same fashion,” the body said.

“By scheduling matches on Easter Sunday, the Premier League is treating it like any other day.”

On the Everton game, it added: “Around 1,000 people will be prevented either from worship or spending time with their family by the match. This includes the extra police officers, the caterers and the staff at the grounds.

“Easter Sunday is traditionally the Sunday with the highest church attendance in the year… It is surely in no one’s interest for them to be caught up with large crowds of football supporters hurrying to arrive by the kick-off.”

Birmingham Churches Together, which includes the Bishop of Birmingham and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Britain’s second city, said: “In rearranging this fixture in this manner, you show disdain for the religious traditions of this country, and the sensitivities of many employees and football supporters.”

In Sunday’s Premier League fixtures, Villa host Everton at 1300 GMT, while Manchester City host Fulham at 1510 GMT.

A Premier League spokesman said: “Having already taken the decision to alter the kick off times of both matches on Easter Sunday, as well as the club agreeing to fund additional policing to assist churchgoers, we believe we have done what we can to ensure that those attending places of worship close to the ground are not inconvenienced in any way.”