Liverpool fan union Spirit of Shankly has hit out at Sky Sports and the Premier League after it was confirmed Wolves vs Chelsea will be played on Christmas Eve.
Liverpool Supporters’ Union Spirit of Shankly has released a scathing statement titled “Why do Sky Sports want to steal Christmas?”
This is in response to the announcement that Wolves vs Chelsea would be the first EPL fixture to be played on Christmas Eve in 28 years.
The congested festive schedule has been a long-standing issue for fans and players alike. Major difficulties in transportation and treacherous weather conditions have been voiced for many years now.
Liverpool fans unite with fans of other clubs against Premier League
This year, with Christmas falling on a Monday, there was even less time for fixtures. Added to that, the PL has decided to organize a game at Molineux on December 24.
This is only the second time in history while the other was Leeds United’s win over Manchester United in 1995.
This decision to prioritize broadcasters and balance other competitions and local authorities’ capabilities to police matches has frustrated Liverpool supporters.
They have faced similar scenarios in 2017 when they were set to travel to Emirates Stadium on Christmas Eve. However, this idea was eventually scrapped due to fan backlash.
Moreover, now, the fan groups have united in opposition to this controversial decision. Indeed their statement emphasizes that Christmas is a special family day and opposes PL football on the festive day.
“No one should need reminding what Christmas is all about. No one, it seems apart from out-of-touch TV executives, who only see the product and don’t see the people.”
Spirit of Shankly put out this statement
The decision to schedule a match on Christmas Eve also has implications beyond match-goers.
Players, club and hospitality staff, public service workers, emergency workers, and media personnel will all have to alter their plans and make themselves available.
Would the decision be overturned?
The statement questions why Sky has prioritized “Super Sunday” over a traditional period of celebration.
Furthermore, the decision to hold a match on Christmas Eve has led to a reduction in the traditional round of Boxing Day fixtures.
Only 5 matches would be taking place on December 26 while the rest would be played across 27 and 28.
Moreover, Liverpool’s fixture list remains unaffected, with a home match against Arsenal on Saturday 23 and an away match against Burnley at Turf Moor on Tuesday 26.
Despite not being directly impacted, Spirit of Shankly urges Premier League officials to reconsider their decision.
They join supporters across the country in calling for a rethink regarding the Wolves vs Chelsea fixture.