Premier League fans went berserk after learning that there might not be any matches on Boxing Day in the 2025-26 season.
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PL fixtures announced on WednesdayNo matches currently scheduled on Boxing DayFans angry for scrapping age-old traditionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Premier League announced the schedule for the 2025-26 campaign on Wednesday. The season will kick off on August 15 with reigning champions Liverpool taking on Bournemouth. The highlight of the opening game week, however, will be the high-octane clash between Manchester United and Arsenal on August 17. Once the schedule was out, fans were quick to spot that not a single game was scheduled for Boxing Day, contrary to tradition.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE EXPLAINATION
Explaining the lack of games, the Premier League reiterated its commitment to giving players ample rest during the busy month of December, although it did hint at shifting a couple of fixtures to December 26 for live broadcast. A statement from the league read: "In keeping with our commitment to providing a greater rest period over the Christmas and New Year period, no club will be requested to play less than 48 hours between Match Rounds 18 and 19 (December 27 and December 30).
"Matches in Round 18 (December 27) are available for movement to Boxing Day for live broadcast selection. Each club has a home match on either 27 December or 3 January, with travel reduced on 27 December and 30 December."
WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
Fans vented their frustrations at the decision on social media, with the age-old tradition of a packed Boxing Day schedule effectively scrapped.
X handle HLTCO wrote: "The game actually is gone this time."
Billy Dunmore posted: "This is quite honestly and sincerely a f*cking massive disgrace."
A fan with the handle @Salahenjoyer11 wrote: "Na my beautiful sport is gone."
Manchester United fan Mark Goldbridge wrote: "No Boxing Day fixtures in the Prem this year….they're changing the game. Another tradition gone."
Ade Met wrote: "Hope it gets moved. It’s actually irritating to have two home fixtures within a few days after Xmas. My daughter will miss both and she’s gutted!"
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?
Two Premier League sides, Chelsea and Manchester City, are currently in action in the Club World Cup in the US. The Blues began their journey earlier this week with a 2-0 win over LAFC. City, on the other hand, are currently in action against Wydad AC.
