The Met Police have released a statement explaining why Arsenal's Premier League clash against Chelsea has been rescheduled.
The Gunners confirmed on Tuesday evening that the match, which was originally scheduled for Saturday April 29, will now take place three days later instead. Now, the police have explained the reason for this disruption whilst also claiming that their suggestion to move it to a different kickoff time on the same date was turned down
Their statement read: "The Met engaged with the Premier League, Arsenal Football Club and Islington Council, through a Safety Advisory Group since February, to negotiate an earlier weekend kick-off for the Arsenal vs Chelsea football match, when notified of the proposed television scheduling of 17:30hrs, on 29 April. This was as a preventative and proactive measure to help mitigate Antisocial Behaviour and crime associated with later weekend kick-offs.
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"The Met suggested an earlier kick-off time on 29 April to minimise crime and disorder and the impact on fans, which was declined by football partners who instead chose to play the fixture on an alternative date. A new date of Tuesday 2 May at 20:00hrs has now been agreed."
Arsenal are locked in an intense battle with Manchester City to win this season's Premier League title, currently sitting six points clear of Pep Guardiola's side. The Gunners will take on City a week before the aforementioned match against Chelsea, who are languishing 11th in the standings.
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