The Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea will now kick-off earlier due to police concerns.
It had originally been scheduled for 4.30pm on Sunday, February 25. But the Metropolitan Police requested the match be brought forward after the Reds and the Blues progressed to the final.
The force categorised the fixture as “high risk” and argued it should get underway no later than 3pm – and their wish has now been granted, with kick-off moved back 90 minutes.
Having previously scheduled the usual 4.30pm kick off time with @wembleystadium and @SkySports, it is disappointing to note the change at this late stage.”
There was also frustration amongst fans, particularly the travelling Liverpool support. One reacted: “Ridiculous this, fans who have planned travel, what will you do to help them?”
“Absolutely laughable,” slammed a second, while a third fumed: “Shocking! Hope they stick to this time when Liverpool aren’t in the final!”
A fourth questioned: “Yet we can play 8:15 pm this Wednesday against the same team at home?” And a fifth joked: “3pm is fine. As we all know, people can only fight each other after half 4!”
A sixth quipped: “Surprised they didn’t make it half 12 just to p*** Klopp off.” Liverpool and Chelsea twice faced each other at Wembley in 2022, as both sides reached the final of the two domestic cup competitions.
Those fixtures were played at 4.15pm and 4.30pm, with both going off without any major incident. Last year’s FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City was similarly brought forward.
