Following questions being raised by supporters relating to the early kick-off for the forthcoming home fixture against Preston North End, Blackburn rovers would like to clarify why the kick-off time was moved. Following the announcement and release of the 2018-19 fixtures last June, discussions were held with the Police around the fixtures that would attract a sell-out of the away end.

Preston North End and Leeds United were the two games identified as attracting away support in excess of 7,500 and therefore a mutually agreed decision was reached by the club and the Police for these two homes games to have the kick-off times brought forward.

For the visit of Preston North End, due consideration was given to the game being a local derby, previous encounters between the two clubs, the large away allocation and the short distance for the Preston fans to travel.The impact on the wider Blackburn public and those residents living in close vicinity to Ewood Park was also taken into account. We realise that by moving the start time will cause inconvenience to some of our home supporters and we can only apologise for that impact on those affected.