The scheduled game between Arsenal and West Ham has been postponed due to tube strikes in London.
The match was meant to be played on December 26, but because of strikes, it has been decided that it is best to postpone to game and then re-arrange it for a later date.
Here is a statment from the Arsenal official website:
As a result of Monday’s strike ballot and the proposed industrial action on London Underground on Boxing Day, Arsenal’s Premier League match against West Ham United at Emirates Stadium, originally planned for Wednesday, December 26, has been postponed.
This decision has been made now, due to the preparation period needed to safely operate Emirates Stadium by all the relevant agencies.
The Club liaised closely with all the relevant agencies, including the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London, London Underground, The Premier League, West Ham United FC and Islington Council, in order to reach this decision.
The paramount concern was always the duty of care towards the Arsenal supporters, West Ham United supporters, matchday employees and workers and indeed everyone who was planning to attend the game on Boxing Day.
In addition to the proposed industrial action on London Underground on Boxing Day, there are extremely limited services operating on National Rail train services into London on this day. Also, normal parking restrictions close to the stadium still apply. This would have caused severe disruption, or at worst, inability for supporters or matchday employees and workers to get to Emirates Stadium.
We apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused supporters but we feel that the right decision has been made.
Tickets already purchased for this match are still valid for the rearranged date, which is yet to be confirmed.
However, the Club can confirm that this rearranged fixture will be played on either Wednesday, January 23 (kick off 7.45pm) or Saturday, January 26 (kick off 3pm). The date of the fixture will be determined by the results in the FA Cup third round, which is being played on the weekend of Saturday, January 5 and Sunday, January 6.
Alex William Batt
