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Nottingham Forest fans have hit out at the scheduling of their FA Cup fifth round tie with Ipswich Town.

The Reds survived a scare in midweek to set up a home clash with the Tractor Boys. The date and time for the match at the City Ground have now been confirmed, but plenty of supporters are not happy.The game will take place on Monday, March 3, with a 7.30pm kick-off. The tie will be shown live on ITV4. Forest say they will confirm ticket details at a later date.

The Monday night scheduling comes after Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, and an army of travelling fans, travelled to Exeter City in the fourth round on Tuesday night. The match included a lengthy stoppage for an injury to Taiwo Awoniyi and went to extra-time and penalties.Premier League title race: Liverpool top standings at start of 2024

It was past 2am when the team got back to base after flying back from Devon, while it was an even later return to Nottingham for many supporters. The prospect of another evening kick-off provoked a strong response on social media.

One fan said on X: “The FA Cup matches are the only ones I can realistically get tickets for me and my son (aged 9 and on a junior membership) to watch Forest together without the luck of the ballot. We live 2 hours away, so no chance I can take him to a Monday night fixture.”

Another said with a hint of sarcasm: “Brilliant, a chance to get tickets and catch a new generation of young fans. Then it’s a Monday night…”

Another said: “I hate you ITV. Hate you. Absolutely hate you.”

One fan posted: “Another cup game I’ve got to miss cause it’s on a Monday night what a joke.”

There was sympathy for the travelling Ipswich contingent as one said: “Monday night for chuffing itv 4 really does my head in, feel for the Ipswich fans travelling.”

One supporter made the point: “So much for this FA statement; “All rounds of the Emirates FA Cup will be played on weekends. The fourth round will be played in an extended window from Friday to Wednesday.”

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Another Reds supporter wrote: “Honestly, at this stage just get rid of the FA Cup, it’s an absolute farce.” Another added: “Week game again makes no sense.”

A few days after their FA Cup clash Trentside, Forest will host reigning champions Manchester City on the Saturday in the Premier League with a 12.30pm kick-off. On Saturday, March 15, they then take on Ipswich in the league at Portman Road.

Nuno’s men had to come from behind against the Grecians at St James Park on Tuesday. Ramon Sosa and Awoniyi were on the scoresheet for the Reds as the fourth round clash finished 2-2 after extra-time, with the visitors going on to triumph 4-2 on spot-kicks.

On the night, the travelling contingent made their feelings known about the midweek journey. Using some colourful language, they chanted their disgruntlement towards ITV, who were broadcasting the game live.

What do you make of the scheduling for Forest’s cup clash? Click HERE to have your say

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