WEST HAM asked for away Boxing Day fixture as the local station gets too busy during post-Christmas sales.
They got their wish – the Hammers will be at Bournemouth on December 26.
Their request was all about the crowd hysteria that a Premier League match and traditional Boxing Day sales at nearby Wesfield Shopping Centre would cause.
Last season was the same story. West Ham were given an awayday at Swansea, 200 miles away from the club’s new home in Stratford.
Now the Premier League has confirmed to Telegraph Sport that West Ham have requested special dispensation to play away on Boxing Day.
Fans are scarcely likely to approve… even given the congestion a home game might suffer.
For all soccer followers cherish the Boxing Day fixture, especially at home.
Already this season West Ham supporters were face with three initial away games – all defeats – while the London Stadium was converted back after the athletics World Championships.
VAN THE MAN Wenger wants Arsenal icon Van Bronckhorst to replace him once he steps down
Then large numbers of fans had to be reassigned seats because fights broke out between those wishing to stand and sing.
Not to mention unrest amongst families whose view of the action was blocked.
There was originally no police radio system installed in the stadium which meant the Metropolitan Police would at first not station officers in the ground unless there was an emergency.
How to claim your FREE £30 bet
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
Meanwhile, it is not uncommon for clubs to make special fixture requests.
Sometimes planned transport network shutdowns or competing major events make a home fixture difficult.
And local police forces often have their say: for instance, the two Manchester clubs do not play at home on the same day.
Leave a comment