Fans responded angry after the community shield was placed behind a payment wall.
For the first time since 2021, the annual curtain booster was shown on non-terrestrial television, in which TNT-Sport De Wembley match between FA Cup winners Crystal Palace and Premier League champions Liverpool Liverpool.
The shift was part of the new deal between the FA that was signed with the broadcaster to show the FA Cup in March. It contains some free-to-air competitions on other channels.
Angry, potential viewers flowed to social media to criticize the move, pointing out that it seemed to be at odds with the ethos of the community shield, from which the proceeds are handed over to charities.
“This is a shame,” someone said, “this is a game that should be free and accessible to everyone.”
Leon Legge, the former defender of Cambridge United and Port Vale, joined the choir of indignation.
“So the community shield is going on today, but the entire football community cannot view it unless you have a subscription to TNT,” he posted on X.
Others described the decision as ironic, in which someone stated: 'The community shield cannot be seen by the community, apart from a relatively small number of TNT sports viewers. Even the highlights nowhere else. Arm.'
The FA has been approached for comment.