Play-off format defended amid criticism of gulf between Sheffield United and Bristol City, ‘allergic to fun’ claims made

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The race for the Championship play-offs is always a thrilling affair, as teams engage in a fierce battle until the final day for a coveted top-six spot.

With promotion to the Premier League on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher in the play-offs each year. The excitement surrounding them stems from the unpredictable nature of the competition, where momentum and form can rapidly shift — as Sheffield United have showcased against Bristol City.

That has been particularly true of this season as well, with the race wide open for numerous sides involved all the way up until final day when five teams had to fit into two places. The prize is obvious for those making the play-offs, given that it’s a chance to secure the prestige of top flight football.

But there is also the financial windfall of the Premier League, too. Experts are divided on who will win the play-offs, while other neutrals have backed Sunderland to win the final at Wembley if they can make it past Coventry City.

• READ MORE: The five most in-form players heading into the Championship play-offs

English football fans unite to defend play-off format

By winning the so-called ‘richest game in football’, with millions expected to tune in for the EFL’s main event of the year which is famously worth nearly £200 million to the side that wins, the EFL play-off race never fails to deliver the drama and entertainment befitting what is on the line.

Sheffield United have a terrible play-off record but they totally dismantled Bristol City to make it to the final at Wembley. That, however, was not dramatic or entertaining for the neutrals. The 6-0 aggregate win was the largest margin of victory at second tier level in the play-offs.

Of course, it was more or less a one-off in that sense. Most ties are closely fought and often go the distance to extra-time as well. But one Middlesbrough fan took to Twitter/X to criticise the format, given the gulf between Chris Wilder’s side and Bristol City.

He said: “Sheff United finished 22 points ahead of Bristol City. Why is this game even happening? Scrap the play-offs. First, second and third go up. What an absolute farce 🥴”

Plenty of backlash was sent off the back of suggestions that change ought to be in the offing. One fan said: “The play offs are the best part of the season.”

Another added: “Not a given of course but this would basically give the 3 relegated PL sides each year the go ahead to spend all the parachute payment money to have the strongest 3 squads & leave 21/24 clubs basically playing for very little. Not sure that’s good for football in this country…”

A further reply said: “One of the worst things about this app – after timers. Why not post this before the playoffs started? Could’ve made the exact same tweet about the point differentials between the sides but you’re only doing it now because of how the tie ended.”

Further comments read: “People are allergic to fun these days” and “what an absolutely horrific take😂”

• READ MORE: Sheffield United told there is ‘little doubt’ they will lose three key players if they fail in Championship play-offs

When is the play-off final and what time is kick-off?

We have previously taken a look at the best play-off finals ever recently but the fixture is notoriously a cagey affair, but that doesn’t mean the format is broken. As one of the replies states, the EFL play-offs are perhaps the greatest invention in football and ought to be protected at all costs.

That said, they can also be incredibly frustrating for those involved in them. On the one hand, Sheffield United have coasted through but the unpredictable nature means a team with 20 points fewer than another can knock them out or go all the way and win it themselves.

Even after sneaking into sixth spot on the final day of the season, that is true. The bigger problem in English football is the financial chasm between the Premier League and the Championship, which is extraordinary and worrying.

The Blades are through to play at Wembley already, where they will know their opposition by the end of this evening. All of the Sky Bet EFL play-off final fixtures will take place over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, in just under two weeks’ time.

The Championship gets us underway on Saturday 24th May, League One on Sunday 25th May, and League Two on Monday 26th May. At the time of writing, the Sky Sports website currently lists 4.30pm as the start time for its coverage of the game, but it is unclear whether this is just a placeholder.