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EXCLUSIVE: Fans’ ire over celebratory farce after Premier League FINALLY announced schedule…with late kick-off causing supporter travel chaos with many having to make long journeys at absurd times
- Premier League fans have expressed anger at the festive schedule
- Several fans will face travel issues due to game timing
- The fixtures were finally announced on Monday, 13 days after their due date
- Supporters raged in the Premier League after the announcement
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Football fans reacted with fury on Monday after the Premier League finally released their festive schedule, with Arsenal and West Ham losing out on Boxing Day.
As MailOnline revealed just after 1pm Monday, the London derby between the two sides on Boxing Day, originally scheduled for 3pm, has been moved to 8pm.
The game, which will air live on Amazon Prime, is also likely to be affected by public transportation issues as it is a public holiday.
John Williamson, a season ticket holder at Arsenal since 1982, said: ‘I feel the lifeblood of football, the match fans, the TV companies and the Premier League are being fooled. Fans are already struggling to travel by public transport during the holidays, making it impossible for some.’
Premier League fans have expressed frustration with the division’s schedule, which includes Arsenal v West Ham scheduled for 8pm on Boxing Day.
Arsenal’s clash against Newcastle on January 3 starts at 8pm, causing travel problems
West Ham season ticket holder Tom Casserley, who says he will not attend the Emirates game now due to the 8pm kick-off, said: “It’s a joke, the Premier League and broadcasters are more interested in the armchair fans than the real supporters.
“How do people get home at 10 p.m. on Boxing Day?”
In a further controversial game schedule change involving Arsenal, their home game against Newcastle will kick off at 8pm on Tuesday, January 3 – leaving fans with the arduous task of traveling back to the North East later that evening, when transport options are likely to increase. take. are limited.
Liverpool make the journey to Aston Villa in Boxing Day summit tea time kickoff
Arsenal vs West Ham provide entertainment on Boxing Day in the Premier League
That same evening Bournemouth travels to Manchester United for another 8pm, which will also affect the visiting fans.
The Premier League and broadcasters have faced further criticism from supporter groups for a delay in announcing the festive games, meaning fans were unable to plan ahead.
Fan groups hit the League for failing to announce TV rosters for the busy holiday season ahead of yesterday, despite being confirmed on October 11.
A message on Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust Twitter account read: “Thirteen days late and still only half of the matches have been confirmed. unacceptable.
‘Do better Premier League and broadcasters. Football fans deserve so much better.’
Leeds United vs Manchester City at Elland Road is the evening kick-off on December 28
Brentford and Liverpool played a thriller last season and will meet on Monday 2 January
A tweet from the Football Supporters’ Association read: “Slow clapping for the Premier League to finally get it out there. Most of January’s games are still missing. And no explanation for the delay. Not a trace of apology.’
Leeds United Supporters’ Trust tweeted: “We raised this directly with the club recently – more needs to be done and more pressure to be applied. Not good enough!’
In a letter to the Premier League just before the festive games were announced, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said: “The festive period is a very busy and expensive time, and supporters are currently unable to make plans or book annual leave with employers.
“Train fares continue to rise and there is clearly little empathy from the football authorities.”