Zdenek Soukup
Head of sports for Western Bohemia
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Sports fans in Pilsen had their heads really messed up for a few days. The MOL Cup final between Viktoria and Sparta Prague as well as the third final of the handball extra league between the Talent team of the Pilsen region and Baník of Karvina were simultaneously planned for Wednesday, May 22, from 6 p.m. What with this?
Joy. The handball players of Talent Plzeň are enjoying their progress to the finals.| Photo: Hynek Sladký
Since Czech Television planned to broadcast both matches, it solved the dilemma for the Pilsen fans by itself by advocating for the handball final to be moved to 3:30 p.m. However, not to the satisfaction of the management of the Talent team of the Pilsen region, although the spectators have a chance to catch both matches.
“We do not agree with such an early start of the game on a weekday and understandably realize that an early start may cause difficulties for some of you. We apologize for that, but we still hope that you will all come to support us this term as well,” the handball club from Pilsen told fans on its website.
“Our aim was for the third game of the final series to start at 6 p.m., i.e. at the usual time for our home games played on weekdays,” explained the Talent team of the Pilsen region, but in the end the club had to submit to the circumstances. The earlier start is necessary for two reasons, and one of them is the broadcast program of Czech Television, which requires this time.
“In view of her other schedule, it was not possible to choose another time or day. Due to the marketing contract with the Czech Handball Association, the club is obliged to comply with such a request,” Talent management added, adding that another reason is purely Pilsen.
“Two important finals would be played here on the same day and time,” added Talent, referring to the MOL Cup final between Viktoria and Sparta Prague, which starts at Pilsen’s Doosan Arena at exactly 6 p.m.
The fans now have the opportunity to attend both matches, but a really long sports marathon awaits them, because of which some of them will have to leave work early.
Will they be rewarded by the success of their beloved clubs?
