Manchester City goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck said it is “hugely disappointing†that fans have to choose between watching the men or women’s team.
Roebuck made the comments on Twitter after sharing a post about Manchester City Women’s last home game of the season.
Her side take on Birmingham City in the Women’s Super League this evening as they continue their battle for the final Champions League qualifying spot.
The match will clash with a crucial fixture for the men’s team, however, who take on Real Madrid in the second-leg of the Champions League semi-final. With Manchester City winning the first leg 4-3, it’s still all to play for.
“On a side note I think it’s hugely disappointing that the fans have to choose between two important games for our football club,†Roebuck posted on Twitter. “This is something that definitely needs to be improved in the future.â€
Manchester City fans will be forced to choose between two huge games for a second time next month.
The women’s team are set to play Chelsea in the FA Cup Final on May 15th, with the match set to kick off at 2pm.
Frustratingly, the men’s team fixture against West Ham on the same day has been brought forward to the earlier time of 2pm. The game will be crucial as Manchester City look to retain their Premier League title.
Roebuck’s comments were made just days after Chelsea goalkeeper Zećira Mušović highlighted a similar situation.
Her team’s match against Tottenham Hotspur in the WSL took place at the same time as the encounter between Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League.
“One Club, two teams, same K.O time and day. Ends with us competing for the same fans, interest and TV viewers,†Mušović wrote on Twitter.
“There should be a rule, created by the Leagues, that doesn’t allow this. We’re here to make the whole game grow!â€
This is an issue which will have to be resolved as women’s football continues to grow in popularity. Fans who follow both the men and women’s game will make their voices heard if they are forced to continue to choose between two teams.