CHARLTON supporters have joined the nationwide condemnation from fans disenchanted with the constant changing of Premiership kick-off times.

In the week the club admitted that final season ticket sales could be 1,900 down on last season, chief executive Peter Varney disclosed that a mail-shot sent to supporters asking why they had not renewed had drawn fierce criticism of kick-off times.

He said: "Almost all complained about kick-off times and wanted to register a protest.

"The problem is not exclusive to Charlton because all Premier League clubs are getting the same feedback.

"Football matches traditionally kick-off at 3pm on Saturdays and our supporters want a return to that.

"Towards the end of last season you could count on the fingers of one hand the number of times Charlton matches kicked off at 3pm on a Saturday. It is not fair on our supporters."

By the time newly-promoted Wigan open Charlton’s home campaign on Saturday, August 20, the club believe season ticket sales will have increased from 18,300 to 20,200.

Charlton’s seven new signings have stimulated sales and with the distinct possibility that more will follow, boardroom fears that numbers might dip significantly have been allayed.

Gonzalo Sorondo’s three-match ban has further restricted manager Alan Curbishley’s selection options.

With fellow centre-back Talal El Karkouri a non-starter with a knee-injury, the club confirmed that the Uruguay international defender will miss the games against Sunderland, Wigan and Liverpool.

Sorondo, who was sent-off twice last season while on loan with Crystal Palace from Inter-Milan, was handed a four-match ban following his dismissal in last season’s penultimate game at home to Southampton.

He served the first on the final day as Palace drew 2-2 at Charlton.