AFC Bournemouth supporters have written directly to the club to voice their anger and disappointment after it was confirmed that the women’s FA Cup tie against Manchester City will not be played at the Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries women are enjoying a historic season; unbeaten, pushing for promotion, and have drawn Manchester City WSL leaders. Many fans saw the tie as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase the women’s team on the club’s biggest stages, potentially attract a record crowd, and boost the team's and the game's visibility.
This is even though the stadium is available and could be issued, and therefore does not clash with the men’s team. The club has opted not to stage the game at the home ground, as it does not meet the requirements, but at Snows Stadium in Totton, which is around 25 miles from the city centre and therefore not accessible.
The club's poor excuse was that it was due to concerns about protecting the pitch.
This explanation has done little to ease frustration, with supporters arguing the decision sends the wrong message at a time when women’s football is growing rapidly.
Fans, in their letter address that the move risks alienating supporters and stalling the momentum around the team.
Some said to the club, highlighted what they saw as a missed opportunity questioning why the women’s side was not given the same platform as the men and warned fans have described the decision as “deeply disappointing” and out of step with the club's stated values of unity and ambition.
This has continued the conservation around equality, visbaility and investment in the women’s game.
With many asking whether landmarks fixture like this one should always be treated as priority moments.
AFC Bournemouth Women are set to face Manchester City in the FA Cup on 18 January but, unlike some high-profile matches, it will not be hosted at the Vitality.
A lot of fans have spoken about being unable to watch the game, some fans found it disappointing.
When Bournemouth faced Bristol City when they were promoted with over 7,000 fans but Totton has only got a capacity of 3,500. Which has disappointed by teams.
A statement on the AFC Bournemouth website said: "The option of Vitality Stadium was explored but a decision has been taken in order to protect and maintain the pitch during a challenging time of year."
Cherries Women usually play in Ringwood but high-profile matches are sometimes hosted at the Vitality.
More than 5,800 fans turned out to see AFC Bournemouth Women go top of the league with a 2-1 win over Oxford Utd in October.
They also played there in March when they beat Bristol Rovers to secure the league title with four games still to play.
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