Fan groups from every English top-flight club wrote to the Premier League opposing a fixture on Christmas Eve, a joint statement from Wolves and Chelsea’s supporters’ trusts has revealed.
Wolves and Chelsea fans also called on the Premier League to “stop treating matchgoing supporters with total disrespect” after moving their Molineux fixture to 24 December.
It is the first time English top-flight football will be played on Christmas Eve since 1995, with the game rescheduled from 23 December in order to fulfil the Sky Spot TV broadcasting rights.
In a joint statement between Chelsea Supporters’ Trust and Wolves 1877 Trust, fans said: “The opposition to this fixture change was made clear 6 days before the final announcement, yet these concerns were consistently ignored by the Premier League. We are disappointed that our early request to reschedule the fixture was rejected. It is important to note Saturday, December 23 [20:00] is an available slot – but this was also refused.
“Our message is clear – stop treating matchgoing supporters with total disrespect.
“Fixture changes like these are key issues for all of us, and we must have a genuine say in decisions about them. Meaningful consultation only happens during the decision making process, the Premier League has failed to deliver against its own Fan Engagement Standard.
“Decisions like these also risk stadia becoming lifeless, soulless, and without passion. A better balance between supporters inside the ground and fans watching on TV is required. This is the responsibility of all 20 Premier League Clubs and the Premier League itself.”
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino also recently criticised the fixture rescheduling, saying: “I am not going to spend the night of the 23rd at my house and then the 24th, for Argentine people is an important night, and I hope to arrive back in time to celebrate.
“We celebrate on the night of the 24th and we really celebrate Christmas when it turns midnight. Our fans are not happy, I am not happy.”
“The coaches are not involved in decisions. I don’t know why. No one explained.
“That is why I am not happy because I think we play, work and do everything we are doing for our fans.
“Because without fans football is nothing. We need to protect and care and look after our fans.”
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