Football
Glenn Price, Liverpool correspondent 7y

Liverpool against plan to move Arsenal game to Christmas Eve - source

Liverpool and their supporters are strongly against any plans to reschedule their match at Arsenal to Christmas Eve.

A source has told ESPN FC that Liverpool are aware of the proposal and are already arguing against the possibility of the fixture, originally set for Dec. 23, being put back 24 hours in order for it to be televised.

The Merseyside club will argue that playing at the Emirates Stadium on Christmas Eve would make it extremely difficult for away supporters to attend.

Sky Sports, which holds the rights to televise Premier League matches in two Sunday slots on each game week during the season, has not yet announced which games it will show over the festive period.

Liverpool supporters' group Spirit of Shankly (SOS) released a statement on Monday expressing their disapproval about any possibility of moving the high-profile match to that Sunday.

They said: "It is our understanding that Arsenal have been asked if they can staff such a fixture and the Metropolitan Police have been approached for their view.

"Changing the date to Christmas Eve would have untold impact on staff and supporters, particularly away fans. Depending on kickoff time, and depleted public transport links, the majority of travelling Liverpool supporters would not get home until the early hours of Christmas morning.

"SOS are contacting relevant personnel to put forward our case that it is completely unacceptable to expect fans to travel for a match at this time."

A source has also told ESPN FC that Arsenal are "in discussions" regarding the potential rescheduling.

ESPN FC's Arsenal correspondent Mattias Karen contributed to this report.

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