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JUR JOKING

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes potential Christmas Eve clash against Arsenal would be disastrous

The Reds are scheduled to face the Gunners at the Emirates on December 23, but the game could be pushed back a day later to suit television broadcasters

JURGEN KLOPP has slammed plans to show his Liverpool side play Arsenal on Christmas Eve, saying: "I cannot imagine anyone wants to watch football on that night."

The Reds are due to come up against the Gunners on December 23 at the Emirates, but television broadcasters could push the fixture back by a day to Sunday.

 Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hates the idea of his side playing on Christmas Eve
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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hates the idea of his side playing on Christmas EveCredit: Rex Features
 Arsenal are due to face the Reds on December 23, but the fixture could be pushed back to the Sunday
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Arsenal are due to face the Reds on December 23, but the fixture could be pushed back to the SundayCredit: Rex Features

In what could be the first Xmas Eve clash in 22 years, Klopp has been left fuming after the Daily Telegraph revealed there was the possibility of a fixture change.

Liverpool are poised to play four matches in nine days, and the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss said: "If the supporters want to see a game on Christmas Eve then probably the television broadcaster will find a way to deliver it.

"If we play on December 24th I am not sure we can fight against it."

In the week beginning October 16, the Premier League are set to announce which matches will be shown on TV for the hectic Christmas period.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's clash against Newcastle, Klopp added: "Sky has to make a decision if they really want to bring supporters on to the streets that night.

"For us, we are used to it. It is not a normal time and if we don't play on the 24th, we'll play the 25th or 26th. But it is still Christmas for our families.

 The ex-Borussia Dortmund manager is hopeful Liverpool will not be playing on December 24
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The ex-Borussia Dortmund manager is hopeful Liverpool will not be playing on December 24Credit: Getty Images - Getty
 Jurgen Klopp's men thrashed Arsenal 4-0 earlier on in the season at Anfield
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Jurgen Klopp's men thrashed Arsenal 4-0 earlier on in the season at AnfieldCredit: Getty Images - Getty

"Just think of all the other people involved who have to go there. Maybe we will play without the media - that would be nice, just one camera.

"I really cannot imagine that anyone wants to watch football on that night."

Leeds United vs Manchester United was the last time there was a Christmas Eve fixture back in 1995 - which also took place on a Sunday.

The only times previously that December 24 landed on that particular day was back in 2000 and 2006, and it won't fall on a Sunday again until 2023.

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