For the first time since the Second World War, only one Premier League match will be played on Boxing Day, leaving fans searching for alternative festive football. The Manchester United versus Newcastle United fixture is the sole top-flight game, prompting lower-league and non-league clubs to anticipate a surge in attendance.
Bolton Wanderers, hosting Rotherham United, hope to attract Manchester City fans travelling up the M61. Chief executive David Ray said: “The fact that people want their Boxing Day football fix will encourage them to have a look at us.” Bradford City also expect a sellout for their match against Wigan, with chief executive Ryan Sparks noting: “Because there are less options for people, it’s definitely an opportunity for us.”
The Premier League cited the expansion of European competitions for the reduced schedule. The decision has drawn criticism from fans and pundits. TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook lamented: “Boxing Day is for sport and Boxing Day is for football. We have our traditions, and football on Boxing Day is one of those traditions.”
However, some supporters welcome the break. Billy Grant, co-presenter of Brentford’s Beesotted podcast, said: “There may be some fans going, ‘thank God there’s no football on Boxing Day,’ because I’m actually not going to get in trouble this year, I can actually dedicate that time to my family for the first time in about 40 years.”
