ARTICLE: Supporters groups say NO to Christmas Eve football

[ClaretTony]

Statement issued on behalf of a number of Premier League supporters groups regarding the potential for a game to be moved to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve for live television. It's supported by Burnley FC Supporters Groups.

See link
http://www.uptheclarets.com/supporters- ... e-football" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Blackrod]

Think we can manage two days at this time of year without football. Personally not keen on football on Boxing Day but I know most won't be of the same opinion.

[ClaretTony]

Boxing Day without football just wouldn't be .... well, Boxing Day.

I know we used to have Christmas Day games but times have changed and to start moving games onto Christmas Eve is ridiculous given the lack of public transport available.

[ExistentialWanderer]

Echo the above. Players deserve a bit of family time at that time of year as well. Besides, as also stated there are games on Boxing Day and New Years Day. Transport will be difficult enough for them two.

[Vegas Claret]

I'd much rather we have no games from 20th until New Years Day. People neglect their families enough for most of the year, I've always thought the boxing day games were daft.

[Walton]

Please can you send this letter on to every single employer I've ever had, as I've worked many a Christmas Eve.

It's a normal working day, it's not sacred. Boxing Day is more of a pain in the arse and is usually one fixture I miss.

[Vegas Claret]

Please can you send this letter on to every single employer I've ever had, as I've worked many a Christmas Eve.

It's a normal working day, it's not sacred. Boxing Day is more of a pain in the arse and is usually one fixture I miss.

I think it's more about the travel issues than the name of the day

[evensteadiereddie]

Bah humbug !
No, seriously, the lack of transport for fans should rule this out. I mean, fans are sooo important these days, aren't they ?
TV and its money rules as always.

[Sean Dyche's Watch]

I don't understand why this has become an issue this year? I am sure we have played on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve previously.

[Walton]

I think it's more about the travel issues than the name of the day

Again, please notify every employer in the country

[Sean Dyche's Watch]

I think it's more about the travel issues than the name of the day

If that's the case, why don't Supporters groups say NO to Bank Holiday (including Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, Boxing Day, New Years Eve or New Years Day football? There's travel issues on these days too.

[Rick_Muller]

I personally wouldn’t have a problem with a lunchtime kickoff on Christmas Eve, as others have said, long distance travelling would be a problem for away fans for a later kickoff.

[Walton]

How did Southend fans cope when we played them on NYE 1994? Where was the statement then?

[ExistentialWanderer]

I don't know. Maybe I am getting more understanding in my old age. Footballers have a strict regimen and diet and many have families, children wide eyed and excited on Xmas Eve. I am not even religious but understand that family dynamic at that time of year. They don't get to enjoy the lifestyles of the normal people. Sure they get paid well, but sacrifices are made.
You can argue you have always worked Xmas Eve, Day or whatever but I find it hard to begrudge even well paid players a bit of family time, when they can't indulge in a cheeky all nighter (well most professionals anyway) or have a cigarette. Their health and fitness is their livelihood's. From a point of view of allowing them an extra glass of wine, or an extra mince pie, or watching their kid open a present with their family while most fans are getting plastered. I think we can survive without football for an extra day or two.

[Vegas Claret]

If that's the case, why don't Supporters groups say NO to Bank Holiday (including Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, Boxing Day, New Years Eve or New Years Day football? There's travel issues on these days too.

I've no idea, ask them

[ClaretTony]

I don't understand why this has become an issue this year? I am sure we have played on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve previously.

The last time we played on Christmas Eve was in 1955. That was in the days of Christmas Day fixtures but with Christmas Day falling on a Sunday, the fixtures were moved to the Saturday.