Furious Arsenal and Chelsea supporters have said the late change of date for their upcoming Premier League clash is an “insult” to fans of both clubs.
Arsenal were due to face Chelsea on Saturday April 29 but the fixture has now been rearranged for May 2 because the Metropolitan Police has “revised its position”, the Premier League said.
Arsenal have said they are “very disappointed” by the decision, and fans from both clubs have now come together to demand a full explanation.
In a joint statement, the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust and Chelsea Supporters’ Trust said it was “totally unacceptable” that the game has been moved with only 18 days to go.
“We are deeply disappointed that a confirmed fixture has been moved after both clubs, the broadcaster, the Safety Advisory Group, and police had confirmed it. This is an insult to those supporters who are attending.
“This is not the first time that arbitrary and unaccountable decisions have been made by the police that adversely impact our clubs and supporters.
“This decision will create a major inconvenience to supporters who will have already made travel and accommodation arrangements and will negatively impact those supporters attending the fixture.
“The AST and CST call on the Premier League to provide a fuller explanation behind these issues. We will in turn take this matter to the Mayor of London who oversees the Metropolitan Police.”
The change of date means that Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing side will have more time to prepare for the game after their midweek meeting with Manchester City the previous week.
However, it also means the gap between the Chelsea match and their trip to Newcastle United, on May 7, has been shortened.
In a statement, the Premier League said: “The initial scheduling of this match was approved at a Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meeting in February. However, the Metropolitan Police has now revised its position regarding the kick-off time and requested a further SAG meeting which determined the match had to be rescheduled.
“We regret the need to move this fixture at late notice and the impact this will have on supporters. The game will remain live on Sky Sports.”