Arsenal and Chelsea have been left in the dark and their supporters, who have vowed to call in London Mayor Sadiq Khan, furious after the Met Police called for the upcoming clash to be rearranged at short notice.
The game that was originally due to take place at 5.30pm on Saturday April 29 will now take place a few days later on May 2 with an 8pm kick-off.
A suitable time for the London derby had already been arranged following talks between broadcasters Sky and the Safety Advisory Group which includes the Premier League, both clubs, the police and local authorities.
However the police have now caused havoc with supporters’ plans by calling for a rearrangement just 18 days before the game was scheduled to take place.
Little explanation is understood to have been given to the clubs for the late change other than the police no longer being able to guarantee that they can safely police the fixture.
Though the exact reason why that is no longer the case for the previously agreed Saturday date remained unclear.
The move has caused widespread confusion, disappointment and anger from all impacted.
A joint statement from the supporters’ trusts of Arsenal and Chelsea read: ‘It is totally unacceptable that with 18 days until the fixture, it has been announced that Arsenal v Chelsea will be postponed and re-arranged.
‘We are deeply disappointed that a confirmed fixture has been moved after both clubs, the broadcaster, the Safety Advisory Group and the police had been confirmed it. This is an insult to those supporters who are attending.
‘This is not the first time that arbitrary and unaccountable decisions have been made by the police that adversely impact our clubs and supporters.
‘This decision will create a major inconvenience to supporters who will have already made travel and accommodation arrangements and will negatively impact those supporters attending the fixture.
‘The AST and CST call on the Premier League to provide a fuller explanation behind these issues. We will in turn take this matter to the Mayor of London who oversees the Metropolitan Police.
‘Supporters are being treated with complete contempt.’
The Met were contacted for comment.