Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has urged fans not to protest during games, as they will miss out on the match.

The Frenchman said he thinks protests before and after fixtures aren’t an issue at all, but the game itself is there to be enjoyed and should be consumed as a result. After Sky decided to move Sunday’s game against Leicester to Sunday just three weeks ago, thousands of Leicester City and Arsenal fans have been cost money and had to change their plans.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 24: Fans arrive at the stadium for the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on January 24, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Why shouldn’t fans enter their seats late to protest the way they are being treated? (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

As a result, fans from both clubs have decided to watch the first five minutes of Sunday’s game from the concourse, not finding their seats until those five minutes are on the clock.

Arsenal supporters group Red Action have encouraged the home fans to join in with Leicester City’s protest and applaud the visiting supporters when they enter the stadium late.

“Life is not every day fantastic,” said the Arsenal boss on Friday. “Sometimes it’s boring, sometimes it’s difficult for many people.

“Football is a moment of happiness in your life, so don’t miss it.”

However, if missing it sends a message, I would have to endorse the actions of these supporters too. Protesting may be futile, but it’s frustrating to constantly feel like you’re being milked as a fan, are we merely commodities, or do we matter to the club and the league?

All to often clubs, and the Premier League itself, treat fans with no respect. The recent ticket price debates are one thing, changing the time and date of a game when the fixture has already been confirmed for another time is way too far.

The lives of fans aren’t being considered, and it’s time for us to put our foot down.