Chelsea fans are expressing their strong discontent over the Premier League’s decision to schedule their match against Wolves on Christmas Eve, marking the first fixture on that date in 28 years.
League officials recently revealed the broadcast selections for matches airing on TV between December 21 and January 2, with Chelsea set to play in the West Midlands at 1 pm on Christmas Eve.
A scheduling choice that has not been made since Leeds defeated Manchester United 3-1 in 1995.
We're now on WhatsApp. Click here to join.
This move has been met with criticism from supporters of both clubs, prompting the Chelsea Supporters Trust to voice their outrage, deeming the decision “totally unacceptable.”
Read Also: Manchester United’s Potential De Gea Comeback Amidst Onana’s Controversy
The Trust has emphasized that this kickoff time will pose significant challenges for many match-going supporters.
They added: “We have made it clear that selecting this kick-off time will place another hurdle in the way of many match-going supporters.
“We have requested an urgent meeting with the relevant decision-makers within the Premier League.
“We expect this meeting will be held very soon alongside the Wolves 1877 Trust and the Football Supporters’ Association.
“And will formally request the Premier League properly consults supporters and reverses this decision.”
Premier League officials had to obtain approval from both the West Midlands Police and Wolves’ Safety Advisory Group to reschedule the game.
This match alteration is part of 41 changes in dates or kick-off times scheduled between December 5 and January 2.
Throughout the festive period, matches will be televised every day except Christmas Day and December 29.
Notable fixtures during this period include West Ham hosting Manchester United in the lunchtime kick-off on December 23, followed by Arsenal’s visit to Anfield at 5:30 pm.
Fans watching from home will have the opportunity to view four consecutive games on Boxing Day.
This lineup includes a 3 pm match choice between Bournemouth versus Fulham and Sheffield United versus Luton, concluding with Aston Villa playing at Old Trafford at 8 pm.
The Boxing Day matches, running until December 28, will be available on Amazon Prime, as will the midweek games at the beginning of December, spread across three days.
Additionally, other matches will be broadcasted by TNT Sports and Sky Sports, with Liverpool facing Newcastle on New Year’s Day and Brighton playing at West Ham the following evening.
