Fulham and Cardiff supporters protest against early FA Cup kick-off time

The Championship pair are scheduled to meet at 11.30am due to a live television broadcast

Fulham supporters travelling by train face a rush to make kick-off (Getty)

Fulham and Cardiff City’s supporters’ trusts have written to BBC Wales to protest against the early kick-off time of the two clubs’ FA Cup third round tie.

The Championship pair will meet at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday 8 January, with the televised fixture currently due to start at 11.30am.

Supporters travelling from London by train have only one direct service available to them, operated by Great Western Railway, which is set to arrive into Cardiff Central station at 10.59am.

The letter by Fulham’s trust describes the decision to play the game so early in the day as “insulting to the supporters who are the lifeblood of the game”.

“As a public service broadcaster, BBC Wales should have a duty to consider the wider implications of their scheduling,” the letter continues, “and the fact that you have chosen this kick-off time shows just how far the ordinary fan has slipped down the pecking order in the modern game.”

In a statement, the Fulham trust said: “Both Trusts have long supported the campaigns ran by the national supporter groups, the Football Supporters' Federation and Supporters' Direct, on ticket pricing and away travel.

“The FA Cup third round was once a special weekend for football supporters up and down the country, but this decision highlights just how little 'magic of the Cup' remains.”

Last month, rail operator Southern had to apologise to Brighton and Hove Albion fans who were left stranded after services were cancelled at short notice after their home 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.