When was the last time a Premier League game was held on Christmas Eve? Wolves vs Chelsea fixture news, history

The Premier League has made the controversial decision to schedule the fixture between Wolves and Chelsea for a lunchtime slot on Christmas Eve 2023.

The decision has been widely criticised by supporters of both clubs, with many unhappy at having to travel at a time of the year that's already busy for people, with family get-togethers and Christmas meals, with public transport often disrupted too.

The Chelsea Supporters' Trust (CST) slammed the decision to schedule the game for a 1 p.m. GMT kickoff on Christmas Eve as "totally unacceptable", with the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) adding that it was "shocking scheduling" by the Premier League.

But when was the last time such a game took place on Christmas Eve? The Sporting News explores the tradition in English football of matches around the festive period and the furore around this decision.

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History of Premier League fixtures on Christmas Eve

Unless the Premier League performs a U-turn to bow to the pressure of fan groups, it looks like we'll have the first such game on Christmas Eve since 1995. Leeds United beat Manchester United 3-1 in that game.

There was almost a game between Arsenal and Liverpool on Christmas Eve in 2017, before the idea was scrapped. The Liverpool fans' Spirit of Shankly group was in fierce opposition, asking why "Sky Sports wants to steal Christmas".

Games in the lead-up to Christmas have long been a staple of the English football calendar, as well as the usual Boxing Day feast of action, but Christmas Eve and Christmas Day have usually been free of action in the past 30 years, since the Premier League's inception in 1992.

Chelsea’s trip to Wolves in December will be played on Christmas Eve, the first time a Premier League fixture is played on that date since 1995 🎄 pic.twitter.com/vZpUbwAngi

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 26, 2023

Have there been fixtures on Christmas Day?

Believe it or not, Christmas Day used to be a regular fixture on the English league calendar – although it's not been that way for a long time.

The last time men’s professional football was played on Christmas Day in England was way back in 1965.

The first English league match on Christmas Day was in 1889, when Preston played Aston Villa. Often teams would play on two, or possibly three, successive days on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day – often with a double header home and away against the same opponent.

As public transport became less of a staple around the country at holiday times, Christmas fixtures became less popular by the end of the 1950s. The final full round of top-flight Christmas Day matches came in the 1957/58 season.

Wolves vs Chelsea Christmas Eve fixture news and backlash

The supporter groups from Wolves and Chelsea who are vehemently against the scheduling of this match on Christmas Eve have had plenty of backing. In fact, according to The Guardian, supporter groups from all 20 clubs in the top flight have called on the Premier League to reschedule the game.

The move to Christmas Eve is, of course, to satisfy broadcasters, but even Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino appeared to agree with the Chelsea fans' backlash against the fixture date. He joked that he wouldn't be able to spend the evening of his wedding anniversary (December 23) with his wife.

As a goodwill gesture, Chelsea have agreed to pay for supporters' travel to Molineux for the game.

"We recognise the commitment of our match-going supporters and appreciate the unwavering loyalty they give to watching the team, home and away," said a Chelsea statement.

"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. Coaches will be available to take supporters to and from the match at no cost, available to book when match tickets go on sale."

Premier League 2023/24 festive schedule

Apart from Christmas Day and December 29, the Premier League is promising competitive action on every day of the festive period from December 21 through to January 2, with two rounds of regular Saturday fixtures plus plenty available on TV.

Here's how that festive fixture list is looking:

All times UK (GMT)