CHARLTON'S chief executive Peter Varney has called on all Premier League clubs to unite and overturn the decision to switch the season’s final fixtures from Saturday, May 14 to Sunday, May 15.

Charlton are at home to south London arch-rivals Crystal Palace in a match that could decide the visitors’ fate in their fight against relegation.

With major rail maintenance works scheduled for that day, Mr Varney warned that thousands of supporters will be inconvenienced unecessarily.

He was furious to learn of the switch from the Premier League’s official website and is adamant the competition have broken their own rules by failing to consult clubs about moving the final round of games.

The Premier League decided on the switch because Scottish Premier League clubs objected to games being broadcast live on the Saturday.

The League can gain exemption from UEFA rules stopping matches being screened on a "closed window" only if the leagues in the other Home Nations agree.

Mr Varney will raise the matter at Thursday’s meeting of Premier League club officials, but has already won one concession in having kick-off times put back from 4pm to 3pm.

He insisted: "We are not going to let this rest. I accept that we have a responsibility to Sky Television, but rule E6 requires that the Premier League consult the clubs before such decisions are made. Sunday fixtures cost more in staffing costs and are less convenient for supporters.

"On the Sunday, May 15, when the Premier League are telling us that matches must be played, six of the fixtures will be affected by rail maintenance works. That will mean supporters getting on trains, then buses, before arriving at the matches of their choice.

"The Premier League had plenty of notice to have sorted this out instead of dropping it in our lap now. The Premier League works for us, we don’t work for them."

* KM-fm will be following Gillingham in their fight for Championship survival in every game home and away until the end of the season.

Tune in to your local KM-fm station for live updates with sports editor Simon Watts in 'Sportswatch' every Saturday from 2pm, plus score flashes from all Kent's other matches.

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