{"id":54584,"date":"2025-07-02T15:35:23","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T15:35:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sportscasting.com\/uk\/?p=54584"},"modified":"2025-07-02T15:35:23","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T15:35:23","slug":"why-has-west-ham-vs-chelsea-been-moved-to-friday-night","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sportscasting.com\/uk\/news\/why-has-west-ham-vs-chelsea-been-moved-to-friday-night\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Has West Ham vs Chelsea Been Moved To A Friday Night? All-London Clash Set To Be Moved For Prime TV Slot"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Premier League fixture between West Ham and Chelsea has reportedly been moved from a Saturday to a Friday.<\/strong><\/p>\n West Ham vs Chelsea in the Premier League, originally due to be played on Saturday, 23 August, has reportedly been moved to Friday, 22 August. But why is this the case?<\/p>\n Mail Sport\u00a0<\/em>report that Sky Sports wish to show the game a day earlier for one of their prime TV slots. The all-London clash is now expected to kick-off at 8pm UK time.<\/p>\n Crowd trouble has been an issue for this fixture in the past. The potential for violence will be elevated with a later kick-off, as it gives fans more time in the pub.<\/p>\n Despite this, the Metropolitan Police are said to be confident that they can deal with the date change. Regardless, the switch still needs backing from the Safety Advisory Group.<\/p>\n The SAG is made up of club officials, members of the local council and emergency services. A decision should be made in the coming weeks, leaving enough time for fans to plan in advance.<\/p>\n When asked about the fixture change, a Met Police spokesperson told Mail Sport<\/em>:\u00a0“The Met works closely with partners and clubs to ensure the safety and security of those attending football matches in London, and those in the wider community.<\/em><\/p>\n “We want everyone to come and enjoy themselves and will act decisively to deal with anyone intent on causing trouble.”<\/em><\/p>\n In 2016, two fans were handed banning orders after West Ham vs Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.<\/p>\n The game finished 2-1 in favour of the Hammers at the London Stadium. Violence erupted following the full-time whistle, resulting in seven supporters being arrested by the authorities.<\/p>\n West Ham fan Nicholas Greenway was banned for three years for ‘threatening behaviour’ in the aftermath of the incident, while Blues fan Michael Parker was issued a five-year disqualification for throwing a ‘missile’ inside the ground.<\/p>\n In regard to the matter, a Met Police commander said: “Although the vast majority of people who attended the match were well behaved, there were a minority who were clearly intent on being involved in confrontation and violence.<\/em><\/p>\n “Despite extensive work with both clubs and the London Stadium partners as well as a large and robust policing operation, there were unacceptable incidents inside and outside the stadium, before, during and after the game.”<\/em><\/p>\n Another incident occurred in 2023 when a fan was knocked out outside the London Stadium.<\/p>\n A video quickly spread on social media, and it prompted Chelsea captain Reece James to call on fans to stop the violence as the Blues were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham.<\/p>\n He wrote on Instagram: “The news has crossed my attention that a fan was punched & knocked out before todays game. I totally understand rivalry and the tension between teams in big game but violence is no answer. I hope he’s okay. <\/em><\/p>\n “Appreciate the travelling fans as always. Stick with us & stay safe.<\/em>“<\/em><\/p>\n The Hammers kick off their campaign away at newly promoted Sunderland. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s 2025-26 Premier League fixtures<\/a> see them host Crystal Palace in their opener.<\/p>\nWhy Has West Ham vs Chelsea Been Moved To Friday?<\/h2>\n
West Ham vs Chelsea: A History of Violence<\/h2>\n