24 December 2023 , 07:00
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For the first time since 1995 a Premier League fixture will be played on Christmas Eve when Wolves host Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
Since Leeds beat Manchester United at Elland Road 28 years ago, there have been no games on either Christmas Eve or the day itself. And that fixture between the two heated rivals is the only one that has been played on December 24 since the formation of the Premier League in 1992.
But that is now set to change for the 23/24 season, despite fierce protestations from both sides. Chelsea's trip to the Midlands has been selected for TV coverage by Sky Sports, with the game kicking off at 1pm. It means that there is almost wall-to-wall football coverage across the whole festive period, with matches everyday from December 21 to January 2nd - with the only exceptions being Christmas Day and December 29.
However, the decision has not proved a popular one with both sets of fanbases unhappy with the Premier League's decision. The Wolves 1877 Supporters' Trust said it “shows a complete lack of consideration and respect for fans, especially Wolves fans who travel from further afield, and of course visiting Chelsea supporters.
"We also feel that this is unfair on club staff, especially those with young children, who will have planned to spend Christmas with their families.”
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Chelsea's respective trust was similarly damning, releasing a statement which read: "Last season, 15.2m supporters attended Premier League matches – a new competition record.
"Despite these exceptional attendance figures, the Premier League has once again demonstrated that it will put the requirements of the broadcasters ahead of matchgoing supporters by breaking its own 28-year-old precedent and scheduling Wolves v Chelsea on Christmas Eve.
"Our message is clear – stop treating matchgoing supporters with total disrespect."
Molineux will play host to the first Christmas Eve match in the Premier League since 1995 (NurPhoto via Getty Images)The Football Supporters' Association said the call represented a "huge kick in the teeth for the fans" who were left with “an impossible choice between going to the match or spending festive time with their families”.
The Premier League did meet with both sets of fans, only to keep the fixture as originally scheduled. Chelsea have since confirmed they are putting on free travel for supporters who have purchased a match ticket, with trains impacted by the Christmas rush.
Chelsea said: "We recognise the commitment of our match-going supporters and appreciate the unwavering loyalty they give to watching the team, home and away.
"Therefore, as a sign of appreciation for fans making this trip, Chelsea Football Club will be offering free travel as a goodwill gesture to anyone who purchases a ticket."
For those not heading to Molineux, the game is live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. You can catch over 500 games of live football this season so find out more about
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