London
Arsenal have turned down Crystal Palace’s request to reschedule their League Cup quarter-final to December 23, with manager Mikel Arteta saying it would be unfair for both sides to play two games within 48 hours. The match will now be held on December 16, a date that adds to Palace’s busy run of four games in eight days.
Palace had suggested December 23 as a fairer alternative, arguing that Arsenal play Wolves on December 13 and should also get proper rest. They were even open to hosting the match on Christmas Eve, but police and transport officials objected due to limited public transport. Arsenal, the home team, also opposed playing on December 24.
Arteta said the December 23 proposal was impractical, as it would come just two days before Arsenal’s trip to Everton and overlap with Palace’s clash against Leeds United. “It’s not fair for either side. We already knew the competitions at the start of the season,” Arteta stated, adding that fixture congestion must be handled with fairness and player welfare in mind.
The Arsenal boss also warned that without balanced scheduling, clubs might one day reconsider their participation in certain competitions. “If fairness and player welfare guide decisions, we’ll avoid that situation,” he said.
The League Cup quarter-final remains set for December 16, as both clubs prepare for a demanding winter fixture schedule.
