Newcastle United fans rage at ‘disgraceful’ confirmed news
Newcastle fans have issued an angry response to a new Premier League announcement around fixtures and kick-off times in the Christmas period.
Newcastle have returned to form in recent weeks after a slow start to the season amid Alexander Isak’s transfer saga and Nick Woltemade‘s subsequent arrival.
Eddie Howe’s side saw off Tottenham at St James’ Park on Wednesday evening with a 2-0 win to go through to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Newcastle are now preparing to face a struggling West Ham away from home on Sunday (2 November) with the aim of moving back into the top-half of the Premier League and staying there until the end of the season.
Their chances of success in 2025-26 will hinge on a successful end to the calendar year as key clashes against Man City, Tottenham and Chelsea beckon, but one game in particular has been picked out as one to watch by those in charge of the TV scheduling.
Newcastle’s trip to Man United is the only Boxing Day fixture in the Premier League
Boxing Day football has been a long-standing tradition in England, but things have changed this year as schedules become more hectic and TV companies continue to have more of a say each season.
The Daily Mail reported earlier in the week that a break from tradition was due to be enforced as UEFA competition expansion was to force the Premier League to only schedule one game on Boxing Day.
Fixtures for the whole Christmas period were officially released on Friday (31 October), and that report proved true with Newcastle’s trip to Man United the only top-flight game to be played on 26 December.
Not only that, but the Magpies will take on the Red Devils at 8pm that night, which is the main talking point that has caused serious debate and outrage among fans who feel as if they are not being looked after or taken into consideration.
Newcastle fans fume with Premier League for Boxing Day kick-off time
Many Magpies fans flooded to social media site X to offer their thoughts on the kick-off time against Man United, with concerns raised about trains back up north after the game and the pure lack of tradition surrounding the announcement.
One fan wrote: “The only game on Boxing Day and it’s been stuck at 8pm for no reason whatsoever. Fans should boycott the entire fixture list, what a joke,” while another said: “Did you really have to put it at 8pm on Boxing Day? Absolute shambles once again. TV put before fans @SkyFootball @premierleague.”
One supporter bemoaned: “Absolutely gutted… wanted to take my lad… Doesn’t think about fans / families with that kick off.”
Another added: “They really have no thought for any football fans. I understand that this game is the furthest distance away fans travel over the “Boxing Day” games so why pick this ? Football fans deserve better.”