Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp slams Premier League over busy Christmas fixture schedule

JURGEN KLOPP has slammed the Premier League over a hectic festive period of fixtures which could see Liverpool play the first top-flight Christmas Eve game in 22 years.

Jurgen KloppGETTY

Jurgen Klopp is annoyed at the Premier League

The only previous Chrirstmas Eve Premier League match was Leeds v Manchester United in 1995, which also fell on a Sunday.

Sky Sports is planning to announce next month that at least one match will be played on December 24, which is likely to be the standout clash of Arsenal v Liverpool.

And Klopp has voiced his displeasure at the potential schedule.

"If the supporters want to see a game on Christmas Eve then probably the television broadcaster will find a way to deliver it," Klopp said.

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

I cannot imagine that anyone wants to watch football on that night

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp

"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.

"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."

Arsene WengerGETTY

Arsene Wenger's Arsenal could play their first-ever Premier League Christmas Eve fixture

Fans from both Arsenal and Liverpool have vehemently opposed the changes, which is set to disrupt many fan's own Christmas schedule.

Liverpool fan group The Spirit of Shankly said: "Changing to Christmas Eve would have an untold impact on staff and supporters, particularly away supporters. 

"Supporters would be faced with the prospect of getting home in the early hours of Christmas morning.

"We hope that common sense will prevail and that both clubs, police, television companies and the Premier League decide against such a move."

The Arsenal Supporters' Trust echoed their northern rivals, tweeting: "We hope the correct decision will be made regarding Arsenal vs Liverpool over the Christmas period. Show some respect to home and away fans."

Klopp vents fury at Liverpool players during Spartak draw

This is not the first time Klopp has expressed his displeasure at the festive period of Premier League games.

Last season, Liverpool were made to play Manchester City and Sunderland in less than 46 hours.

The German boss said at the time: “Now I have seen the fixtures I am not too happy. 

"We have less than 48 hours between our game against Man City on December 31 and in Sunderland on the 2nd. 

"Forty-eight hours is an interesting idea but less than 48 hours I cannot believe."

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