Sky Sports are planning to screen two Christmas Eve Premier League games for the first time. One is planned to be shown on Sunday at 4pm and speculation is that will be Arsenal v Liverpool but West Ham v Newcastle has been mooted for the possible lunchtime spot on Christmas Eve.
Liverpool fans have already reacted furiously to the news of a possible trip to London to face Arsenal could be put back a day.
West Ham is scheduled to play Newcastle on Saturday 23rd December but TV bosses may decide to re-schedule it to the Sunday.
The football supporters Federation have released a statement saying
“Fans of both clubs would be faced with the impossible choice between attending the game or delaying their plans for starting the festive season with family and friends, with the away team’s travelling fans unable to travel home by public transport afterwards.”
“Twice in recent years (2011 and 2016) Christmas Eve has fallen on a Saturday; in both those years the Premier League has not scheduled any fixtures for that day, presumably in recognition of the significance of the date. For broadcasters now to move fixtures to Christmas Eve, and on a Sunday at that, flies in the face of that policy.”
“Supporters’ representatives from clubs across the Premier League have expressed their clear opposition to moving games to Christmas Eve, and will continue to engage with both the Premier League, via our forthcoming biannual meeting, and with broadcasters, to register our discontent and to seek full involvement and consultation with supporters in determining future scheduling.”
A statement by Liverpool supporters group called the Spirit of Shankly has been backed by the West Ham United Independent Supporters’ Association (WHUISA)
http://www.spiritofshankly.com/news/supporters-say-no-to-christmas-eve-football
Tell us what you think?
Does anyone really need football on Christmas Eve, the PL is turning into a bargain basement supermarket open all hours, some people think we are already owned by Arkwright, Granville & Glady’s Emmanuelle the PL are doing their bit to assist if true. Speaking personally I had scheduled the Newcastle game in with my mate but if it is Christmas Eve will probably knock that idea on the head as he has a long commute… Jeez I think I am turning onto Victor Meldrew !!!
I don’t mind to be honest but that’s because it’s a home game, I live in east London and will be there with my friends and family anyway. But PL needs to show some common – it is outrageous to ask Newcastle fans to do that kind of journey on Christmas Eve (same for Liverpool fans). Why not schedule a game that is easy for everyone involved? Play Everton v liverpool, manc derby or us versus any of the other London teams?
Got to be a step up on how I usually spend it – Dragged around ****ing shops by her who must be obeyed, seeking out last minute presses for ***kers I’ve not seen since last Christmas! Bring it on.
Westfield shopping centre and football on the last shopping day before Christmas? There is 0 chance of this happening.
I think we agreed no games at Xmas with westfield hence no boxing day anymore.
I would go given we won’t get any football boxing day, can’t see the police letting it happen at westfield though.
Mind you my old man used to go xmas day and boxing day so its not too bad.
It’s not just the fixture on Christmas Eve that’s an issue. Our next 3pm kick off on at home on a Saturday is Chelsea on the 9th December. That’s if Sky don’t change the date and time of that too. This also means only one 3pm KO at home on a Saturday until then which was Swansea last weekend.