West Yorkshire Police discussions planned amid Crystal Palace and Leeds United fixture change latest
The West Yorkshire Police – as well as the Premier League – will need to sign off on any agreed fixture change between Crystal Palace and Leeds United.
Leeds are due to welcome Palace to Elland Road on 21 December, with the fixture having already pushed back a day previously.
It was announced this week that Palace’s clash with Arsenal will be played on 23 December, with that Carabao Cup quarter-final proving difficult to accommodate.
Due to Palace’s involvement in the Europa Conference League, they are unable to play Arsenal in the week of the other three quarter-final ties.
It means Palace will have just a two-day gap between playing Leeds and then Arsenal in two different competitions.
Crystal Palace ask for Leeds United fixture date to change again
Oliver Glasner confirmed on Wednesday, however, that Palace have asked for the Leeds game to be moved back to the Saturday – 20 December – which will cause Leeds fans an unnecessary headache.
The Premier League will have to sign off on this decision, as will the broadcasters, and Keith Hackett – speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News – says West Yorkshire Police will also have a say.
The former head of PGMOL said: “The Premier League are always reluctant to re-schedule, having a process in place that allows television companies both here and overseas to do their planning.
“There is of course discussions that also have to take place with the police. Let’s hope the league are able to meet this request.”
Given the proximity to Christmas, that is another factor that may come into the thinking of police chiefs.
Leeds’ Christmas and New Year fixture schedule already packed
Leeds have had a rather mixed start to life back in the Premier League, but the pressure is still on Daniel Farke at Elland Road on the back of the Brighton defeat.
Leeds were soundly beaten 3-0 by Brighton at the Amex Stadium last weekend in what was their worst display of the season.
Next up for Leeds is a trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, with that game now taking on added importance.
Leeds then host Aston Villa and travel to Manchester City after the international break to conclude the month.
After three games in the first half of December, Leeds then host Crystal Palace – whatever date that may be – before travelling to Sunderland a week later.
There are then games against Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United in quick succession to begin 2026.
The hope is that Leeds are clear of the relegation zone heading into those fixture to ensure it is a Happy New Year for the fanbase.
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