Arsenal Supporters' Trust and Chelsea Supporters' Trust have released a joint statement following the Premier League's announcement that their match will be played on another date, with just 18 days of notice.
The title-chasing Gunners were meant to host the Blues on Saturday, April 29 at 5:30pm but the Premier League match will now take place a few days later on Tuesday, May 2 at 8pm. A statement from Arsenal released on Tuesday afternoon, less than three weeks before the match takes place, read: "The Premier League has announced that our home league match against Chelsea will now take place on Tuesday, May 2, kick off at 8pm [UK time].
"This change has been made as a result of the Metropolitan Police revising its position on policing the match. After working to try to find a solution with the Met Police, we are very disappointed with the impact and disruption this fixture change will cause to our supporters, particularly after this match had been initially approved for a Saturday evening kick-off."
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Now, both supporters' groups have reacted to the confirmed change. They are united in their stance, stating their extreme disappointment with the decision and are frustrated with the lack of notice period the fans have received.
The statement reads: "It is totally unacceptable that with 18 days until the fixture, it has been announced that Arsenal vs 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 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 & 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."
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