Shock clash revealed as Premier League’s likely Christmas Eve TV game risking huge fan backlash
PREM chiefs are considering playing a match on Christmas Eve for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Chelsea’s trip to Wolves, initially scheduled for December 23, is understood to be the game under discussion.
AFPWolves vs Chelsea is the fixture likely to be moved to Christmas Eve this year[/caption]
Sky Sports are believed to be pushing for a match on the day before Christmas to be part of their Festive TV offer to fans.
It would be the first time a top flight game has been played on December 24 since Leeds beat Manchester United 3-1 at Elland Road in 1995.
But the idea has already brought a backlash from Chelsea fans and supporters of the Molineux outfit.
Chelsea’s recent decision to end the subsidy for fans travelling to away matches has added to the frustration of Blues fans.
And there is also the likelihood of pushback from West Midlands Police ahead of a night when their resources are likely to be stretched thin patrolling the streets and ensuring revellers are safe.
Prem bosses were due to announce the full list of December and January fixture switches on Friday.
Instead the League only announced the seven matches moved from the 3pm Saturday slot on December 2, which include Manchester United fans facing ANOTHER 8pm away match, this time at Newcastle.
The Prem said: “The remaining December and January fixtures will be announced early next week.”
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Manchester City’s home game with Spurs will be the main event over that weekend in the 4.30pm Sunday slot.
Four games – Bournemouth versus Aston Villa, Chelsea’s match with Brighton, Fulham’s trip to Liverpool and West Ham against Crystal Palace will be 2pm starts on December 3 because of European commitments the previous Thursday.
