Soccer Never Takes a Break: Premier League Matches on Boxing Day in England
Merry Christmas, but no rest for the wicked in English soccer! While German soccer stars, including Bayern Munich's goalscorer Harry Kane, enjoy a winter break, the excitement continues on December 26, known as Boxing Day. This special day is a staple in the English soccer calendar, including the Premier League and the leagues below.
Why do the English love Boxing Day so much?
German international goalkeeper Bernd Leno from Fulham FC shares his perspective: "What could be better than watching soccer?" He further explains, "For the English, Boxing Day is like Easter, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Thanksgiving all rolled into one. It's the best day of the year."
But what's with the name Boxing Day?
Despite the name suggesting it is a day for boxing matches, nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, the term refers to the tradition of giving Christmas gifts, or 'Christmas boxes,' to servants and tradespeople.
Football in the heart of Christmas
Up until the 1950s, a full matchday was even held on Christmas Day itself. The infamous sexist slogan, "Men go to the match while the women cook in the kitchen," demonstrated how football was a significant part of the festive celebrations. However, the logistical challenges of a full schedule on Christmas Day, including public transport constraints, led to the decision to move the festivities to Boxing Day.
Big games on the menus of Boxing Day
Although only five games are on offer this year, there are some highly anticipated fixtures. Liverpool, currently second in the table, will hope to regain the top spot with a win at Burnley. Meanwhile, Manchester United, in the middle of a major crisis, face a challenging test against surprise team of the season, Aston Villa.
Watch the Boxing Day action live in Germany
For German soccer fans, Sky TV will broadcast all the Premier League games live on Boxing Day, including Newcastle United vs. Nottingham Forest, AFC Bournemouth vs. FC Fulham, and Sheffield United vs. Liverpool FC. So grab your popcorn and settle in for an action-packed festive season!
What's in store after Christmas?
Don't think the English soccer season takes a break after Christmas Day. The 20th matchday continues from December 30 to January 2, with Aston Villa welcoming Burnley FC and Arsenal hosting FC Fulham in a London derby. Liverpool face struggling Newcastle United on New Year's Eve, making for an exciting finish to the year.
- English goalkeeper Bernd Leno of Fulham FC shares his appreciation for enjoying soccer on Boxing Day, an occasion that is as charming as Easter, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Thanksgiving combined.
- The term 'Boxing Day' originates from the practice of giving 'Christmas boxes' to tradespeople, serving as a form of gratitude for their work on Christmas Day.
- The tradition of playing football on Boxing Day has been long-standing in English culture, with the day now recognized as a special bank holiday.
- Boxing Day games, such as Liverpool vs. Burnley, provide an exciting opportunity for soccer fans to enjoy their favorite sport during the festive season.
- Sky TV will broadcast all the Premier League games live on Boxing Day, ensuring that German soccer fans won't miss out on all the action.
- Liverpool, currently second in the table, will aim to regain the top spot in the English soccer league with a win against Burnley on Boxing Day.
- Manchester United are battling a major crisis but will hope to bounce back against surprise team of the season, Aston Villa, on Boxing Day.
- Arsenal, with German international Kai Havertz in their ranks, welcome West Ham United in a London derby on Thursday, while Tottenham play away at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Source:
Enrichment Data:
Historical Background of the Boxing Day Term: The term "Boxing Day" originated in 12th-century Britain, stemming from the tradition of giving gifts, or 'Christmas boxes,' to serving men, tradespeople, and laborers. The name may also signify the practice of exchanging small toys or novelties between playfellows, hence the name.
Boxing Day Tradition and Football: The tradition of playing soccer on Boxing Day is deeply rooted in the holiday's cultural and sporting significance. The day after Christmas is a popular time for leisure activities, and following the sexist slogan, "Men go to the match while the women cook in the kitchen," football has become an integral part of the Boxing Day celebrations.
Festive Celebrations and Football: While the German Bundesliga offers a winter break for its players, English soccer continues to provide an exciting alternative, with the Premier League and other English leagues committing to games on Boxing Day to satisfy the soccer-hungry English public. The spectacle of top English teams playing on Boxing Day has made the occasion a cherished tradition that brings families and friends together to enjoy the festive spirit while cheering on their favorite clubs.
