Arsenal vs Liverpool WILL NOT be played on Christmas Eve after backlash from supporters and will instead take place on December 22

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Arsenal's televised clash against Liverpool at the Emirates is now set to take place on Friday, December 22.

Sky Sports were keen to show the game on Christmas Eve but a significant backlash from fans meant that the Premier League have decided against allowing that to happen.

The league confirmed earlier this month that no fixtures on December 24 would be played in the usual 4pm time slot. 

Arsenal's clash against Liverpool in the Premier League will take place on December 22

There was a significant backlash from Liverpool fans over plans to play on Christmas Eve

There were suggestions that a compromise would be sought, with the hope that the game would instead take place at 12.30pm.

But after feedback and the delaying of the announcement from the television rights holders - which will instead occur at 3pm on Thursday - Liverpool fans have been spared a Christmas Eve trek to the Emirates.

Arsenal had feared they would not be able to get a safety certificate for a 4pm kick-off as they would lack staff who would be willing to work then.

Another game that was mooted as a potential December 24 match, Leicester's game against Manchester United, will instead be held a day prior at 7.45pm.

Arsenal feared they would not be able to get a safety certificate due to a staff shortage

There were concerns on Liverpool's part that supporters would not be able to travel to the game due to issues surrounding rail and tube on Christmas Eve.

Reds fan group the Spirit of Shankly said as the suggestion first emerged: 'We hope that common sense will prevail and that both clubs, police, television companies and the Premier League decide against such a move.' 

It would have been the first Christmas Eve game scheduled by the top flight since December 1995. 

Manchester United's trip to the King Power to face Leicester will take place on December 23