Liverpool object to Sky moving Arsenal match to Christmas Eve

[A1X]

https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...sports-plan-switch-arsenal-game-christmas-eve

Liverpool are objecting to a proposal by Sky Sports to switch their Premier League game at Arsenal to Christmas Eve, a plan that has been accused of showing “zero regard for supporters”.

The Anfield club are aware of the proposal to move their trip to the Emirates Stadium from Saturday 23 December to Sunday 24 December with a 4pm kick-off. Liverpool have registered strong opposition to the Premier League and the broadcaster, arguing it would be prohibitive for supporters to have to travel to London on Christmas Eve. The last train from London Euston to Liverpool leaves at 9.21pm that day and will only arrive at Lime Street in the early hours of Christmas Day.

Liverpool will continue to voice their opposition to the proposals before Sky Sports announces its festive schedule next month. However, it is the Premier League which will decide whether the disruptive fixture goes ahead. Sky Sports are paying £11m per Premier League game under the current broadcasting deal and it is believed their preference is to have a live match on Christmas Eve.

Obviously think this is a disgrace in forcing fans to do this, but does this also raise the prospect of our game (Watford to Brighton and back being an easier trip) filling the gap? None of the other games seem an easy fix...

Arsenal v Liverpool
Brighton & Hove Albion v Watford
Burnley v Tottenham Hotspur
Everton v Chelsea
Leicester City v Manchester United
Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth
Southampton v Huddersfield Town
Stoke City v West Bromwich Albion
Swansea City v Crystal Palace
West Ham United v Newcastle United

 

[BBassic]

https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...sports-plan-switch-arsenal-game-christmas-eve



Obviously think this is a disgrace in forcing fans to do this, but does this also raise the prospect of our game (Watford to Brighton and back being an easier trip) filling the gap? None of the other games seem an easy fix...

Arsenal v Liverpool
Brighton & Hove Albion v Watford
Burnley v Tottenham Hotspur
Everton v Chelsea
Leicester City v Manchester United
Manchester City v AFC Bournemouth
Southampton v Huddersfield Town
Stoke City v West Bromwich Albion
Swansea City v Crystal Palace
West Ham United v Newcastle United

Good on Liverpool.

On the face of it it does look as though our game would be the natural stocking filler, as it were. Alternatively Sky could f**k off and not have a game on Christmas Eve.

 

[Diablo]

Everyone should get behind Liverpool on this one. Disgracefull to expect Liverpool fans to come to and get home from London for 4pm match on Christmas Eve.

 

[happypig]

Stoke v WBA is another obvious one to move.

 

[bhanutz]

Everyone should get behind Liverpool on this one. Disgracefull to expect Liverpool fans to come to and get home from London for 4pm match on Christmas Eve.

Most of them live down this way anyway!

 

[Bob!]

Leicester v Man U

It's not that far back from Leicester to Milton Keynes.

 

[LamieRobertson]

Sorry hun I forgot to pick up the turkey I was too busy watching the football..Not this time Sky!

 

[sydney]

Good on Liverpool.

On the face of it it does look as though our game would be the natural stocking filler, as it were. Alternatively Sky could f**k off and not have a game on Christmas Eve.

i'm inclined to agree after their trial by media effort on TH.

 

[Tooting Gull]

Stick Stoke v West Brom on Xmas Eve. Then the country can all forget about football that day and go and get pissed with the family.

 

[GT49er]

Obviously think this is a disgrace in forcing fans to do this, but does this also raise the prospect of our game (Watford to Brighton and back being an easier trip) filling the gap? None of the other games seem an easy fix...

Stoke vs. West Brom. is the obvious choice. With Liverpool all the way on this one.

Besides, do we need a football match on Christmas Eve anyway? Most of us have plenty of other things to do on that particular day.

 

[Quinney]

When did sky ever give a toss about away supporters?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

 

[GJN1]

Obviously think this is a disgrace in forcing fans to do this, but does this also raise the prospect of our game (Watford to Brighton and back being an easier trip) filling the gap? None of the other games seem an easy fix...

It doesn't force fans to do anything. I've long been a believer in the idea that the fans are unpaid extras in the whole Premier League drama so they should boycott the game and enjoy Xmas Eve instead. I'm sure the Premier League and Sky would love a huge gaping hole in the stands at the Emirates and even less atmosphere than usual (if that were possible).

 

[wellquickwoody]

Liverpool? Complaining? Must be some mistake.........

 

[DavidRyder]

I'm in my forties, but for me, Christmas Eve has always been the day when I like to close the door, get all cosy inside with some Xmas TV and Xmas snacks, and as it gets dark, get excited about Santa arriving (ok not the last bit). The thought of being anywhere in a car, or on public transport, getting stressed/squashed by other travellers is not a good thought. So I have absolute sympathy for Liverpool fans. I'd choose reindeer socks and nut crackers every time.

 

[studio150]

If Sky decided to show the Brighton v Watford game, there are both negatives and positives to this.

Negative

Sunday train and bus service, plus earlier closing down on services, so those that like to stay behind hand have a drink or two, may find they need to skip this, or down the drinks quicker.
Large number of no shows due to family commitments

Positive

The Chelsea Boxing Day game would be put back 24 hours, thereby making it far easier to get to London in the train, albeit a Sunday service


I can't see Sky wanting to give up a Sunday slot and are barred from showing an additional game on Saturday due to BT Slot at 5.30, the blackout in place between 3 and 5.15 and also Police will not give go ahead for Saturday 8pm kick off.

Therefore although I don't support it, I can see one game being moved to Christmas Eve. Swansea v Palace looks a good choice

 

[Sarisbury Seagull]

Totally with Liverpool, this is way out of line.

If for whatever reason they have to televise the game that day though, why can't it at least be an earlier game at 12:00/1pm?

 

[Titanic]

Bit harsh to blame Sky.... as recently as 1965 we had fixtures in England on Christmas Day!

 

[Easy 10]

Quite apart from the flagrant disregard for the travelling fans, who wants to watch football on Christmas Eve ? My missus would go BOOLOO

 

[DavidRyder]

One step closer to going back to Xmas day games...