Sheffield United fan explains thinking behind campaign urging PPV boycott of Premier League games after smashing St Luke's fundraising target

The campaign was borne out of fans’ frustration at Premier League games not already chosen for broadcast being made available for pay-per-view – at a cost of £14.95.

Fans' groups have mobilised to arrange boycotts of games, encouraging supporters to instead donate the money they would have paid to watch the game to good causes, with food banks up and down the country amongst those to benefit.

"Fifteen's Obscene" set up a donation page for St Luke's, and raised almost £2,000 in 24 hours. At the time of writing, they had raised almost 150 per cent of their original £1,495 target - and plan to keep building momentum until the Premier League changes its mind.

"The campaign was originally started as a stance against the PPV games," said founder Ciaron Elm.

"But after seeing the great work that Newcastle fans did [raising around £20,000 for a local foodbank], we decided to do something similar.

"Everyone in Sheffield knows how amazing St Luke's are, as they've helped the loved ones of so many people in the area and beyond. With the Covid pandemic being at the level it is, it's now more essential than ever that organisations like St Luke's get as much help as possible so they can continue doing the great work they do.

"It's just really refreshing to see football fans come together to support the less fortunate, especially as the campaign initially focused on the unfortunate situation that fans themselves faced.

"It's nice to see that fans of other clubs have donated to the campaign too, it shows that although the beneficiaries are local, this is an issue that is cared about nationally.

"We're going to keep the campaign running and keep pushing behind it until the Premier League make changes to the PPV scheme, which is the ultimate goal.

"It's brilliant to be able to help St Luke's along the way and lovely to see so many Blades and fans of other clubs coming together."

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