Boxing Day football is another English tradition. Christmas Eve football is the Scrooge-like vision of a TV company. The game is nothing without us, the fans – football in the pandemic served to underline that. Once again we are told we are valued, yet once again we are being ignored.

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The footballing powers that be need to think about the implications of their decision to schedule this fixture, how it will impact those who cannot or will not attend, and what it means for those who have no choice but to attend. Or maybe they already did but decided to schedule the match anyway! We are incredibly disappointed that the Premier League have decided to hold a Premier League game on Christmas Eve without consulting with disabled supporters. As fans of Brighton we were pleased that our Boxing Day game was moved. Whilst Christmas fixtures are an enjoyable and traditional feature of the fixture calendar, travel and family commitments often make these games difficult to attend. The supporters are never considered during these times when the broadcasters select their TV games and this is another demonstration that supporters are the furthest from their minds. WHUST is against any football match being played on Christmas Eve. Apart from the potentially significant difficulties with travel, it’s a time for families to be together. Additionally, all the arrangements that are part of a football match will lead to staff that will be needed missing time with their families.Football is more than just a business; it’s a passion and a way of life. By disregarding the fans’ opinions and traditions, we risk alienating fans and eroding the unique and vibrant culture that is essential to the sport. Moving forward, it is crucial that the footballing bodies ensure that the decisions they make are not solely motivated by financial gain but also reflect the values and identity of the beautiful game. The cost of living crisis continues to affect us all, and increasing the demands on loyal fans from both Wolves and Chelsea at a time of year that provides additional challenges is and should have been avoidable. The Premier League has not held a fixture on this date for 28 years; why does it need to do so now?

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Many transport operators offer a scaled-down or skeleton timetable over the Christmas period, including early timetable finishes on Christmas Eve, and indeed there are currently just two direct services from Wolverhampton to London available after this fixture. Rainbow Blades stands in solidarity with the other 19 Premier League clubs to highlight the significance of taking into account the fans when making scheduling decisions. Football has always been about more than just a game and the introduction of Christmas Eve fixtures can disrupt long-held family festive traditions. The footballing world needs to strike a balance between commercial interests and the interests of the supporters who are the heartbeat of the sport. We urge the Premier League and broadcasting partners to start considering the impact to supporters when making these decisions. Put fans first and say no to Christmas Eve football. After the Premier League has moved the Wolves vs Chelsea match to this coming Christmas Eve, who can say what might be heading our way in seasons to come? The festive fixtures are sacrosanct in the English game and the scheduling of this Christmas eve fixture goes against all principles for the match going supporters.

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For fans who watch on television or the casual viewer who likes any football on TV, it’s nothing more than just another game.

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The Trust is aware that Christmas Eve is traditionally one of the busiest days on the road in the UK and that Chelsea and ‘distanced’ Wolves supporters are now faced with a nightmare journey to, and from Molineux. We urge all stakeholders to rethink these plans and ensure that Christmas isn’t just about football. The Board of the Fulham Supporters’ Trust are against fixtures on Christmas Eve for the following reasons:-How many will struggle with the logistics of travelling to a game on a day when the country winds down for the traditions of Christmas? The introduction of Christmas Eve fixtures in the Premier League, after a 28-year absence and without any prior fan consultation, starkly underscores the expanding impact of television money on the world of football. While television broadcasting has played an increasingly significant role in the sport’s revenue streams, it is essential not to lose sight of the very supporters who make football what it is. Xmas eve is a special time for families preparing. It is a time for families getting together and not for football. It affects everybody; fans, players, club staff, public service workers and emergency workers who will all have to make themselves available for the event. It is not fair on them. For loyal match-going supporters, who plan their lives around the game, it’s a move The Grinch would be proud of. Why does Sky Sports want to steal Christmas?