Here is all you need to know about Boxing Day in football, its meaning and how it became a tradition in the English Premier League
In the UK, Boxing Day is traditionally observed as a full day of football games for all top-tier football leagues in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland (the Premier League, the Scottish Premiership, and the NIFL Premiership), as well as the lower leagues and rugby leagues.
What is the meaning of Boxing Day in football, history, origin and fixtures list
⚽🎉 Get ready for a Boxing Day filled with thrilling football action! ⚽✨ Join us for all the live football matches on Sky and Amazon Prime! 🥊📺 pic.twitter.com/G7G6p90Akx
— Broadwater Pub (@BroadwaterGK) December 19, 2023
Originally, teams and their supporters would not have to make the lengthy trip to an away game the day after Christmas Day by playing matches on Boxing Day versus local rivals. After taking a six-week sabbatical to attend the 2022 FIFA World Cup, British top flight football made a comeback with the 2022–23 Premier League Boxing Day fixtures.
Boxing Day is synonymous with Premier League football for a large number of football fans. The tournament has been commemorating this day on its calendar for so long that it has solidified into a tradition.
As fans prepare to spend Christmas Day leftovers curled up on the couch while watching the Premier League play, the league’s games continue to get high ratings.
When does the Boxing Day is celebrated?
The Boxing Day is celebrated on December 26, a day after Christmas Day.
Why is it named Boxing Day?
In the UK, Boxing Day is observed annually on December 26, which is the day following Christmas. The majority of businesses are closed and employees have the day off since it is a “bank holiday,” which is basically what Americans call a federal holiday.
During Queen Victoria’s reign, Boxing Day acquired its name. During the Victorian era, the wealthy would package “box up” things they no longer required and donate them to the underprivileged. On this particular day, employees would receive a “special box” of delicacies as a thank you for their hard work and some time off.
Best record on Boxing Day
Manchester United has the best record when playing on Boxing Day, which is maybe to be expected generally. United has played 96 games on Boxing Day since the custom started back in 1888.
They have a 171 total point record with 51 victories, 18 draws, and 27 losses. The Red Devils have 140 goals against and 195 goals scored. The top five teams on the list are Liverpool, Brighton and Hove Albion, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
What is the importance of Boxing Day?
In the past, Boxing Day was a holiday for servants, on which their owners would give them a special Christmas box. On Boxing Day, the staff would also return home to deliver Christmas boxes to their loved ones.
Premier League Boxing Day 2023 schedule
- Newcastle United vs Nottm. Forest at 12:30 GMT
- Bournemouth vs Fulham at 15:00 GMT
- Sheffield United vs. Luton Town at 15:00 GMT
- Burnley vs. Liverpool at 17:30 GMT
- Man United vs. Aston Villa at 20:00 GMT