Plans to play Arsenal vs Liverpool on Christmas Eve 'a new low', says the Football Supporters' Federation

It would be the first game played on 24 December for 22 years

Fans' holiday plans would be severely disrupted by travel (Getty)

Television proposals to stage Arsenal’s home Premier League tie with Liverpool FC on Christmas Eve have been described as “a new low” by the Football Supporters’ Federation.

At the moment, all 20 top-flight teams are scheduled to play on Saturday 23 December, but Sky Sports have requested for one match – so far undisclosed but understood to be Arsenal vs Liverpool – to be held for the 24^th.

There is also meant to be the traditional full fixture schedule on Boxing Day but, with the two clubs expected to have their game moved to Christmas Eve, that game will also likely be moved.

There has so far been no official confirmation from Sky Sports or from the Premier League but the Metropolitan Police, who will be required to be on duty for the match, have revealed discussions are ongoing between the clubs and “all parties concerned”.

Christmas Eve is notoriously a terrible day to travel on and moving the fixture will disrupt the journey and holiday plans of thousands, particularly those making the trip south from Liverpool who could feasibly, depending on kick-off time, not make it home until the early hours of Christmas morning.

Official supporters groups from both clubs have condemned the idea of moving the fixture and now the FSF have thrown their voice in with the objections.

“Reports that Sky Sports are proposing to reschedule Premier League fixtures from Saturday 23rd December to Christmas Eve have been met with anger among football supporters, and represent a new low point in putting the interests of football broadcasters over those of match-going fans,” the FSF said in a statement.

“In particular, the suggestion that Liverpool’s fixture away to Arsenal could kick off at 4pm on Christmas Eve could mean that fans of both clubs would be faced with the impossible choice between attending the game or delaying their plans for starting the festive season with family and friends, with the away team’s travelling fans unable to travel home by public transport afterwards.”

Twice in recent years – 2011 and 2016 – Christmas Eve has fallen on a Saturday, traditionally the day of the week fixtures would be played on, but both time the Premier League opted not to schedule any games on the date.

The proposed fixture change would be the first Premier League game to take place on Christmas Eve for 22 years, when Leeds hosted Manchester United in a midday kick-off.