JERSEY Bulls supporters have taken to social media to voice their disappointment after the club announced changes to its away match live streams.
From tomorrow night’s away fixture against Bedfont Sports, the Bulls’ live streams will no longer be publicly available on the club’s YouTube channel.
Instead, the stream will be shown exclusively at the Bulls Bar at Springfield Stadium, with the club saying the move is “intended to encourage supporters to use the venue and help generate additional revenue”.
In an official statement released by the club on their website, it was stated that conversations had taken place between the club and supporters and members of the Supporters’ Club about the Bulls Bar experience, with feedback focusing on drinks prices.
As a result, the decision was taken to reduce prices across a range of drinks.
Also in the statement, the Jersey Bulls FC board stated that the decision had been made as part of its responsibility to operate sustainably and that it wanted to develop the atmosphere and sense of community at Springfield Stadium.
The statement also said that its away streams had allowed supporters to follow the Bulls “without the expense of travelling to the mainland”, while also acknowledging that the change would be “disappointing” to some fans.
The decision has subsequently prompted a number of supporters to share their thoughts on social media.
One supporter said the move was “extremely disappointing”, adding that the cost of travelling to away games had become increasingly expensive since the Bulls’ promotion.
Another questioned how elderly supporters and those with young children would be able to follow the team, while suggesting that “a paid online streaming option could provide an alternative way for the club to generate revenue”.
Concerns were also raised specifically around children attending the Bulls Bar for evening fixtures.
One supporter said: “This is disappointing to hear. What about families with children? We often watch the away live streams at home with our 12-year-old son.”
They also asked whether under-18s would be permitted to remain at the Bulls Bar beyond 9pm for midweek matches.
In response to these concerns raised, the club have said: “We appreciate that this decision to make the away live stream exclusive to the Bulls Bar at Springfield Stadium will come as a disappointment to many of you – and it isn’t a decision we have taken lightly.
“Whether the Bulls are home or away, Springfield Stadium is our home. Come down to the Bulls Bar, watch the live stream of the match with fellow supporters, have a drink, create a festive atmosphere and help us make the venue the place to be.”
Tomorrow night’s fixture away against Bedfont Sports kicks off at 7.45pm, and will be the first match shown exclusively at the Bulls Bar under the new arrangements.
