Arsene Wenger speaks out on Arsenal vs Liverpool Christmas Eve fixture

Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Oiley12 October 2017

Arsenal remain in discussions with the Premier League and Sky television over switching their home game against Liverpool to Christmas Eve.

Following a meeting with members from 20 fan groups and representatives from the Football Supporters' Federation on Tuesday, Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore confirmed that there will be no 4pm kick-off on Christmas Eve.

However, earlier kick-offs on the same day have not been ruled out, which could spell complications for both Arsenal, Liverpool and supporters in terms of travel and staffing for the Emirates Stadium clash.

A 12.30pm kick-off has been suggested and Wenger said: "I know that we have to adapt to the schedule dictated by the televisions, but overall I would say if that happens personally I think it should not, not any game should be played after 2pm.

"Personally I would prefer to be at my home on Christmas night and celebrate Christmas, but I still feel that could happen if we played early on the day and what you wouldn’t like to sacrifice is the evening with the family for people, but overall we go towards society religion isn’t considered anymore in any decision and where people want as well to watch football in the Christmas period."