Football fans call for better away game scheduling and VAR ban, finds new study

A poll of 2,000 football fans has revealed the changes they would make to the professional game - including better scheduling of away games and banning VAR

by · Wales Online

Football fans have shared their thoughts on what they would alter about the professional game including improved scheduling of away matches, more travel assistance from clubs and the abolition of VAR.

A survey of 2,000 adults who regularly attend football games revealed that 54 per cent believe their experience at away matches could be enhanced, with complaints about inconvenient kick-off times and restrictions on drinking at their seats.

A significant 67 per cent reported feeling increasingly overlooked by football's governing bodies, with difficulties in securing tickets also listed as a reason why even the most dedicated fans miss out on attending matches.

One in four supporters expressed that better planning of away fixtures should be a priority for those in charge of football.

The study was conducted by UK shot brand, Fireball, which recently treated four Salford City supporters to an exciting helicopter journey to and from their team's recent clash with Newport County.

Former England player and current club co-owner, Paul Scholes surprised the fans as they embarked on the 400-mile round trip to South Wales.

He commented: "We wanted to show fans that we massively value their support both home and away, and want to make the game day experience as fun and exhilarating for them as possible. We're already known for offering subsidised away travel, something which this research shows football fans clearly care about."

Paul Scholes joins four Salford City fans with a thrilling helicopter ride to and from their team’s recent match against Newport County(Image: PinPep)

The study also discovered that 29 per cent of those surveyed believe a key priority for clubs should be to provide more travel support for fans attending away games.

Safe standing within football stadiums was identified as one of the top three changes fans would like to see. In addition, 19 per cent of respondents feel managers should have the ability to challenge refereeing decisions.

Interestingly, over a tenth (12 per cent) expressed interest in seeing an 'All-Star' game, featuring two teams composed of the league's top players. Some of the more unusual suggestions for changes fans would like to see included half-time musical performances (10 per cent) and standard half-time cheerleader displays (13 per cent).

The average participant in the OnePoll.com study reported watching up to 11 live games each year, with 70 per cent agreeing that it's crucial for football rules to adapt and evolve in line with modern technology and playing styles.

Lorenzo Farronato, spokesperson for Fireball Whisky, commented: "Our research has shown that the match going experience isn't always a party, especially for away games that often involve long journeys, late nights and high costs. We believe game day - as well as all other experiences shared amongst friends - should be enjoyable and that fans should always be prioritised.

"Football is a dynamic and evolving sport, and fans are constantly looking for ways to make the game even more thrilling. We brought the heat to midweek for Salford fans, we'll continue to infuse more fun and mischief into the moments they share with us."

Top 20 changes football fans would like to see in the game

  1. Introduce a salary cap for all teams.
  2. Greater travel support from clubs in getting to away games.
  3. Bring back/increase the number of safe standing terraces in stadiums.
  4. Better scheduling of away games.
  5. Banning VAR.
  6. Allow managers to challenge refereeing decisions.
  7. Ban foreign ownership of clubs.
  8. Letting fans drink alcohol at their seats in stadium.
  9. Half time cheerleader shows.
  10. Create an All-Star game with the league's best players.
  11. Digital billboards showing funny football memes and live tweets mid-game.
  12. Getting rid of offsides so there are more goals.
  13. The chance for regular people in the crowd to get brought onto the pitch.
  14. Superbowl-style half time musical performances.
  15. Post-match fireworks.
  16. Letting fans decide substitutions by live-voting.
  17. Introduce pre-game penalty shootouts to break potential ties.
  18. Increase goal sizes to encourage more goals.
  19. Introduce multi-ball for the last 10 minutes of the game.
  20. Fancy-dress themed matches.