The Premier League has had to postpone a total of 13 games over the last three matchdays and this trend could be set to continue as the United Kingdom is witnessing a huge spike in Covid cases
For Premier League fans, football is a part of Christmas. While most leagues go on a mini-winter break, the English Premier League continues to host fixtures during the festive period, integrating it with parties and celebrations.
However, celebrations could be cut short as Covid has marred several games in the past few weeks as the virus sweeps across the United Kingdom and the onset of the Omicron variant only adding to the fears.
Liverpool vs Leeds, Wolves vs Watford and Burnley vs Everton are some of the latest games to get postponed just before Christmas.
Boxing Day Origins
You may hear the term 'Boxing Day' get thrown around quite often in the build up to Christmas amongst your friend circles that love football. But the term has little to do with the sport nor Boxing.
Boxing day is traditionally the day after Christmas and originated in Britain. Earliest records of the tradition date back to 1663, where the rich and working-class would seek out gifts for their servants on the 26th. These boxes could include bonuses, gifts, clothes, or even left-over food.
The charitable tradition is said to have evolved during the Victorian era. The Church parishioners would deposit money into a box which was then distributed to the poor. However, historians disagree with the origins of this tradition, with some claiming it began with a 10th century Bohemian duke, King Wenceslas who did noble deeds while some argue St. Stephen, considered as Christianity's first martyr, was celebrated for the same reasons.
When Christmas and Football Come Together
Avid fans of Premier League clubs have always intertwined games with parties and celebrations. As parties go on for several days, you can turn on your television to find games taking place even till the 31st of this month!
I like to invite friends over for dinner where we watch the Premier League while chomping on a big buffet and Christmas delicacies. Some games can even result in heated discussions, but it never dampens the Christmas spirit.
The 2020 season had a boring set of fixtures and felt synonymous with the dull Christmas in Covid atmosphere. Even though restrictions were eased that year, we decided not to have a party. The North London derby was perhaps the only exciting game.
Historically, Boxing Day tends to produce matches that are an absolute treat to watch. Some results can even be sweeter than the homemade Bebinca. For me, it was Manchester United's 4-3 victory over Newcastle United while simultaneously watching fierce rivals Manchester City lose 1-0 to Sunderland in the 2012/13 season.
2019 was really fun as Southampton upset Chelsea 2-0 on Boxing Day while Wolverhampton Wanderers came back from behind to rout Manchester City 3-2 at the Molineux on the 28th.
In 2016, Tottenham and Liverpool ran riot past their opponents, smashing 5 goals against Southampton and Swansea respectively. The Tottenham game was a 7-goal thriller and Harry Kane bagged a hattrick.
Covid Clouds Another Christmas
The Premier League has had to postpone a total of 13 games over the last three matchdays and this trend could be set to continue as the United Kingdom is witnessing a huge spike in Covid cases.
Many players have tested positive in this time frame, forcing clubs to shut down facilities or work with a depleted squad as was the case with Liverpool, Chelsea and Leeds United in Matchweek 18.
Clubs have tried to actively push for a temporary break and met with Premier League Officials which would've meant no boxing day action for fans all over the world. However, the Premier League decided to go ahead with the games stating that it is the League's collective intention to continue the current fixture schedule where safely possible. Match officials too have been appointed for the coming games. Clubs have also been advised that if they have 13 players, plus a goalkeeper, they should fulfil their games. Matches could also be played behind closed doors.
At this time, last year, the Premier League had roughly around 40 positive cases (players and staff) but that number has doubled this year with around 90 positive cases being reported.
Clubs like Manchester United have resumed training but several players could not be spotted on Tuesday such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Donny van de Beek, sparking a concern. The Portuguese was back in training on Wednesday to our relief and we could get to see Cristiano celebrating with his iconic 'Siuuu' at a crowded St. James' Park!
As of now, Matchday 19 is on track, boosting football lovers' festive mood but an uptick in positive cases for clubs could see that completely change within a few hours. The Aston Villa vs Burnley game was called off only a couple hours before kick-off.
ISL Also an Option
Should the Premier League games get scrapped, the Indian Super League will be broadcasting games too. There have been some thrilling encounters off late. Our beloved FC Goa will face ATK Mohun Bagan later on the 29th who have scored 3 goals in each of their last 2 games. Newly appointed coach Derrick Perreira will have a great task on his hands, until then cram down on Doce, Dodol and some booze to lift your Christmas spirits!
