For the unversed souls, Boxing Day is celebrated on the 26th of December every year, which is right after Christmas

In the UK and Commonwealth nations, Boxing Day is celebrated on the 26th of December every year, the day after Christmas. For those unaware of history, Boxing Day is celebrated because on that day, Christmas boxes or other gifts were given to people, from family to servants.

However, apart from its historical connection with Christmas, Boxing Day is also associated with sports. For example, in football, Boxing Day matches have been a tradition, especially in the UK, while most leagues in European countries take a break.

Boxing Day matches

(Credit- The New York Times)

This year, Premier League action is significantly lower than usual, with only one match scheduled between Manchester United and Newcastle United. The game will kick off at Old Trafford at 8:00 p.m. local time, but in India it will be telecast at 12:30 a.m. on 27th December.

Premier League’s clarification

Premier League fans are disappointed with only one fixture, but the league issued a statement to clarify the issue. The Premier League’s statement read, “The Premier League would like to acknowledge the circumstances that have led to a reduced number of matches on Boxing Day this season—impacting an important tradition in English football. There are now several challenges to Premier League fixture scheduling rooted in the expansion of European club competitions—which led to a revision of our domestic calendar ahead of last season, including changes to the FA Cup.”

(Credit- ESPN)

“As with previous years, and in keeping with our commitment to clubs, special arrangements have been made to allow more time between games played across the festive period. This will allow greater time for players to recover, with the rest periods between rounds 18, 19, and 20 being increased to ensure that no club plays within 60 hours of another match,” the Premier League added.

Tons of championship matches

(Credit- Coventry City Club)

Fortunately, football fans can watch a number of EFL Championship matches on Boxing Day. Teams such as Stoke City, QPR, Southampton, and Leicester City. Even league leaders Coventry, Middlesbrough, and Ipswich Town have their respective matches, with Coventry presently leading the table by 48 points from 22 games.

That’s all the major football matches one can watch on Boxing Day because in other leagues around the world, the scheduled matches are unlikely to offer the action desired by the hearts of the hardcore football fans who are accustomed to the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga.