Compromise likely over 4pm Christmas Eve kick-off

Ian Watson

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore says there will be no 4pm kick off on Christmas Eve.

Arsenal’s home game with Liverpool was being discussed as the game Sky Sports would potentially move to the Sunday with the usual 4pm kick-off time.

Both sets of fans have raised their concerns over playing so close to Christmas Day and talks between the Premier League, the Metropolitan Police and the two clubs had taken place.

And now Scudamore has promised  there will be no 4pm kick off on Christmas Eve.

An FSF statement read: “Premier League CEO Richard Scudamore commits to no 4pm KO on Xmas Eve following this morning’s FSF Fans Group meeting.”

At present, all 20 Premier League teams are scheduled to play on Saturday December 23, but Sky have requested one game to be played on Christmas Eve.

The compromise may well be that the match will be played on December 24, but with a lunchtime kick off.