Premier League make ‘ludicrous’ announcement as Arsenal vs Everton could change again
Everton’s Premier League clash with Arsenal could be rescheduled due to the UEFA Champions League knockout stages.
The Toffees are currently set to take on Mikel Arteta’s side at the Emirates on Sunday, 15 March at 2pm, but that is now in doubt, despite being changed already.
Arsenal progressed through to the last 16 of the Champions League earlier this season, and as a result, could be playing on 17 March.
If that is the case, then their game against Everton would have to be rescheduled for a different date.
The draw for the Champions League last 16 takes place this Friday, at which point the Premier League will be able to update supporters on any changes.
Premier League called into question over fixture changes
The Premier League always aims to give fans two months’ notice of any fixture changes, but on this occasion, supporters will get just two weeks.
Everton’s clash with Arsenal was originally scheduled for 14 March, which meant there was no risk of a postponement, but it was moved to the following day back in January after being selected for broadcast on Sky Sports.
Journalist Patrick Boyland, who covers the Toffees, has hit out at the Premier League announcement on X, calling for an urgent rethink of fixture scheduling.
Boyland labelled the entire situation “ludicrous” and pointed out that some travelling Everton fans will have already made plans for the fixture.
Those supporters now risk losing out on travel and accommodation bookings, when the game could have been kept on a Saturday to avoid confusion.
Who do Everton face before Arsenal?
Currently, Everton are scheduled to face Newcastle United away and Burnley at home before their trip to the Emirates in the middle of March.
However, if their game against Arsenal is moved, they could be forced to travel to North London late on the Saturday evening instead.
The Toffees sit ninth in the Premier League table following their 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Monday evening, and are still in with a real chance of European football next season.
They will have to pick up some wins over their next few games, though, if they want to stay in the race for a top-seven position, no matter how silly the Premier League changes are.
It is yet again, another sign that the Premier League do not care about fans.
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