Arsenal’s Christmas Eve clash with Liverpool under threat due to lack of stewards being able to work
ARSENAL'S home clash against Liverpool on Christmas Eve could be moved after all - because there are not enough STEWARDS to work the game.
And now the has revealed that there is another issue that might force the game to be switched as stewards are "reluctant to staff the game".
For every match, football clubs have to get a safety certificate from the local council, but without the full amount of staff to work the clash, it is unlikely this would be granted.
SunSport has already reported how fans are not happy with the match taking place the day before Christmas Day when it broke that Sky Sports would be picking one game on that Sunday.
A joint letter from supporter groups at all 20 top-flight clubs pleaded for a change of heart.
The statement said: "The Sky plan to fill their ‘Super Sunday’ TV slots as usual, despite it falling on Christmas Eve, is hugely disappointing and frustrating for supporters.
“This is wrong and no fixtures should be scheduled for this day.
“Supporters will be faced with the unenviable task of deciding between family, friends and loved ones and any pre-existing plans for this time of year and continuing their loyalty and support for their club.
“This must not be allowed to happen, not this season and not in future seasons. We don’t want this to be the ghost of Christmas future.”
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Liverpool have been critical of the idea of playing the game the day before Christmas due to the travelling their fans would have to do.
But boss Jurgen Klopp reckons nobody at home will want to watch the game either.
The German said: “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.”
There is a full service of trains from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street on Christmas Eve.
But the last departure leaves the capital at 9.21pm and arrives on Merseyside in the early hours of Christmas Day.
Of course, a lot depends on the actual kick-off time, but 4pm remains a distinct possibility and fans are against that.
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