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Arsenal could be spared a proposed Christmas Eve clash against Liverpool
Mistletoe and whine

Arsenal vs Liverpool Christmas Eve match could be moved to Friday, December 22

Fixture could instead be held 48 hours earlier after December 24 clash had been proposed

ARSENAL and Liverpool may be spared their proposed Christmas Eve clash.

The fixture could instead be held 48 hours earlier on the Friday night.

 Arsenal could be spared a proposed Christmas Eve clash against Liverpool
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Arsenal could be spared a proposed Christmas Eve clash against LiverpoolCredit: AP:Associated Press

Talks are ongoing between the two clubs, Islington Council, the Metropolitan Police and broadcaster Sky Sports.

A 4pm meeting at the Emirates on December 24 was initially suggested and, should those plans go ahead, would become the first Christmas Eve fixture since 1995.

But Premier League chief Richard Scudamore ruled out the possibility of a later kick-off following a backlash from furious fans.

Arsenal also feared they would not be granted a safety certificate for a 4pm kick-off due to a shortage of essential staff unwilling to work at that time.

 Jurgen Klopp and Arsene Wenger may not need to face each other on Christmas Eve
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Jurgen Klopp and Arsene Wenger may not need to face each other on Christmas EveCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
 The Emirates will play host to Arsenal versus Liverpool between December 22 and December 24
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The Emirates will play host to Arsenal versus Liverpool between December 22 and December 24Credit: Reuters

A 12.30pm start was therefore proposed but could be set to be changed again.

SunSport understands that options spanning from December 22 to December 24 are still open and that includes Friday.


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Football fans face the logistical nightmare of having to travel around the country just hours before Christmas.

Leicester's visit from Manchester United and Everton's game at home to Chelsea have also been looked at by Sky Sports.

The Premier League's £11million-per-match broadcasting deal with Sky Sports means several parties must agree before a decision is made.

The Football Supporters' Federation - which represents the 20 top-flight clubs - met with Scudamore on Tuesday morning and released a statement on the hot topic.

The FSF said: "FSF led 20 fan reps into meeting with PL CEO R Scudamore this morning. TV rights, KO times, standing, security.

 Liverpool players and fans face travelling home from London hours before Christmas Day
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Liverpool players and fans face travelling home from London hours before Christmas DayCredit: Rex Features

"At today's PL/FSF Fans Group meeting Richard Scudamore commits to no 4pm KO or later on Christmas Eve. Fans from all clubs represented.

"December PL TV picks will be announced Oct 19 but Xmas Eve games and beyond take another week to confirm. Six-week notice period to meet.

"R Scudamore commits to no PL TV KOs on Sunday mornings/nights. More midweek and Bank Holiday games broadcast. Multiple TV KOs at same time."

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