The Premier League faces mounting criticism from furious football supporters after announcing Boxing Day fixture times that have been branded 'thoughtless' and 'completely unacceptable' for match-going fans.
The decision to schedule several matches with late kick-off times, requiring extensive travel on one of the busiest travel days of the year, has sparked outrage among the very supporters who make English football's festive tradition so special.
Travel Nightmare for Dedicated Supporters
Among the most controversial fixtures is the 5:30pm kick-off between Liverpool and Burnley at Turf Moor. This timing presents a logistical nightmare for Liverpool supporters, who face a challenging 100-mile return journey late on December 26th when public transport options are severely limited.
The Football Supporters' Association (FSA) has been inundated with complaints from fans who feel the scheduling shows complete disregard for those who actually attend matches, rather than watching from the comfort of their homes.
'A Slap in the Face for Match-Going Fans'
An FSA spokesperson didn't mince words when describing the fixture planning: 'It's a slap in the face for match-going fans. These kick-off times show a complete lack of consideration for supporters who follow their teams up and down the country.'
The frustration stems from what many perceive as the Premier League prioritising television broadcast schedules over the practical realities faced by loyal supporters who travel to games.
Broader Pattern of Disregard
This isn't an isolated incident. The scheduling follows similar controversial decisions that have left fans feeling increasingly marginalised. The late announcement of fixture changes, often with minimal notice, compounds the problem for supporters who need to arrange travel and accommodation.
Many are questioning whether the Premier League has lost touch with the people who create the atmosphere that makes English football so attractive to broadcasters in the first place.
Calls for Common Sense Scheduling
Supporters' groups are urging the Premier League to reintroduce common sense into fixture planning, particularly around holiday periods when travel is already challenging. They argue that earlier kick-off times or better consideration of travel distances would demonstrate respect for the dedication shown by match-going fans throughout the season.
As one frustrated supporter put it: 'We're the lifeblood of the game, yet we're treated as an afterthought. It's time the Premier League remembered who makes English football special.'
