The meeting between Wolves and Chelsea is set to become the first Premier League fixture to take place on Christmas Eve since 1995 in a move a that has been heavily criticised by the Football Supporters’ Association as “an unwanted present”.
The match at Molineux had been due to take place on 23 December as part of the Christmas programme that will also include a full fixture list on Boxing Day and 30 December. But the Guardian understands the decision to move the fixture back 24 hours has already been taken in an attempt to fulfil broadcasting requirements.
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In a statement, the FSA said it represented “a huge kick in the teeth” for fans, and left them facing “an impossible choice between going to the match or spending festive time with their families”.
Calling the prospect “totally unacceptable”, the Chelsea Supporters Trust chair, Mark Meehan, said: “During a time when we ought to be helping supporters travel to away fixtures, it’s outrageous that another hurdle could be placed in their way. It’s just making things much, much more difficult for match-going supporters.”
A statement from Wolves 1877 Supporters Trust also strongly condemned the idea. “This potential scheduling once again shows a complete lack of consideration and respect for fans, especially Wolves fans who travel from further afield, and of course visiting Chelsea supporters,” it said. “We also feel that this is unfair on club staff, especially those with young children, who will have planned to spend Christmas with their families. We urge the Premier League to consider this decision very carefully before making an announcement.”
In the last top-flight game to be played on Christmas Eve, Leeds beat Manchester United 3-1 in 1995, with goals from Brian Deane, Tony Yeboah and Gary McAllister. The FSA added: “We’ll be looking at ways to make [fans’] views crystal clear to the clubs, Premier League and the broadcasters. They’re all complicit in this unwanted present.”
