Today, December 26th, the 17th matchday begins in the Premier League. Why is there a game on Boxing Day? SPOX explains it.
Here we go! Although the final of the World Cup in Qatar was only played on December 18, clubs in the Premier League are now pursuing their domestic goals again. On December 26th, the whistle will sound in English football after the World Cup, with the 17th matchday continuing.
Seven games are contested on Boxing Day, this game day is commonly referred to as Boxing Day. Brentford FC vs. Tottenham Hotspur (1.30 p.m.), Crystal Palace vs. Fulham FC, Everton FC vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City vs. Newcastle United and Southampton FC vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (all from 4 p.m.), Aston Villa against Liverpool FC (6.30 p.m.) and Arsenal FC against West Ham United (9 p.m.).
But why is there actually a game played at Christmas in England while the ball is resting in Germany, Spain or Italy for the festivities? SPOX gets to the bottom of this below.
Boxing Day: Why does the Premier League play on Boxing Day?
To understand that, you have to dig a little in the history book. The term “Boxing Day” dates back to the 19th century and the time of Queen Victoria. In the United Kingdom at the time, it was customary for the wealthier section of the population to put together and give Christmas packages to the poorer people and servants on December 26th. Employees had the day off and usually took the gifts they received home to their families. The word boxing is the English word for “pack up”.
Football has been played at Christmas in England since the late 19th century. Up until the 1950s, there was even a full matchday on Christmas Day, i.e. on Christmas Day. However, because on December 25th all public transport employees were given time off, this led to such major logistical problems that the match day had to be postponed to December 26th. Since 1966, the ball has been kicked across the lawn on the second public holiday in England.
