Planet Swans ArchivesThe match has been billed as a title decider and potentially one that could see the Swans seal a League One title if results go their way over the next week.
And with the length of trip to Carlisle, the Swans were keen to allow as many of their fans as possible to see the game with screens planned in the Riverside and hospitality lounges.
However, Carlisle blocked the move and the football league backed this on appeal claiming, rather bizarrely that Nottingham Forest took 650 to Carlisle on Tuesday and we took 472 to Doncaster in January – on a Friday night. Neither of which have any real relevance to the fact that Swansea to Carlisle on a Tuesday night is never going to allow for a huge support – title decider or not.
A statement released on the club website read "Swansea City are disappointed to announce that the club will be unable to beam Tuesday night's League One clash at Carlisle back live to the Liberty Stadium.
"Because of the huge amount of travelling involved to Carlisle on a Tuesday night, the club was hoping to reward our fans for their fantastic support this season – both home and away – by beaming the potential title showdown back to the stadium.
"The game, with full commentary, would have been screened live in the Riverside Lounge and the hospitality areas to a potential audience of 2,200 fans unable to make the long trip due to work commitments.
"Although the club would have covered the majority of the costs on such an ambitious and exciting project, the Swansea City board felt it was the least the fans deserved.
"However, in situations like this, the consent of the home club has to be received.
"Unfortunately, Carlisle refused permission for the broadcast to take place after constant dialogue between the two clubs over the last 72 hours.
"As is our right, the club then appealed to the Football League, claiming the Cumbrian club was withholding permission unreasonably.
"Despite our protests, the Football League ruled in favour of our opponents citing Nottingham Forest's travelling support of 650 to Carlisle on a Tuesday night and our support of 472 at Doncaster on a Friday night as factors in their decision.
"Therefore, the only way to witness the possible match of the season so far is to actually make the 680-mile round trip!"
Radio Wales it is on Tuesday night then. And Doncaster for promotion alongside us…….
