Carabao Cup final kick-off time to be MOVED amid concerns over clashes between Chelsea and Liverpool fans, with Metropolitan Police wanting Wembley showdown to begin no later than 3pm
- Chelsea and Liverpool meet at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final next month
- The kick-off is scheduled for 4:30 PM, but can be brought forward
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The Carabao Cup final has been brought forward at the request of police due to concerns over possible clashes between Chelsea and Liverpool fans.
The EFL has been planning the final for several months as a 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday, February 25, but Mail Sport has learned that the Metropolitan Police want the match at Wembley to start earlier as they have classified Chelsea vs Liverpool as a high match. -risk fixture.
In discussions earlier today, the Met is said to have asked for the final to start no later than 3pm for public order reasons.
The EFL initially stuck with their preference for a 4.30pm kick-off due to their contract with Sky Sports, but sources on both sides have indicated a compromise is likely if the match is brought forward.
At the request of the police, the final of the Carabao Cup has been brought forward
The Metropolitan Police are concerned about possible clashes between Chelsea and Liverpool fans on February 25
The Met Police have classified Chelsea-Liverpool as a high-risk match after previous issues
Further discussions will take place in the coming days to resolve the issue.
The FA Cup final was brought forward to the traditional 3pm kick-off on the advice of police, compared to the initially scheduled time of 5.30pm last season, amid fears that the all-day drinking would lead to violence between Manchester United- and Manchester City fans.
Similar concerns are said to have been raised by police after Chelsea and Liverpool booked their places at Wembley this week with semi-final victories over Middlesbrough and Fulham respectively.
Chelsea and Liverpool met in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals in 2022 with kick-offs at 4.30pm and 4.45pm respectively without major disturbances, but crowd disorder has increased in recent years, prompting police to be more proactive going to perform. and cautious approach.
Chelsea and Liverpool met in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals in 2022 with kick-offs at 4.30pm and 4.45pm respectively with no major disruptions
Football-related arrests rose to a nine-year high of 2,264 last season, including 200 for a new offense of possession of Class A drugs.
Chelsea and Liverpool fans have also clashed since their last meeting at Wembley, which was spotted by police.
Video footage showed fans arguing in a pub near Anfield after the clubs’ Premier League meeting last January.
The EFL declined to comment.