The Carabao Cup final kick-off is set to be brought forward at the request of the police amidst concerns about potential clashes between Chelsea and Liverpool fans.
The EFL have had the final scheduled as a 4:30pm kick-off on Sunday 25 February for several months, but Mail Sport has learned that the Metropolitan Police want the game at Wembley to begin earlier as they have classified Chelsea v Liverpool as a high-risk fixture.
In talks earlier today the Met are understood to have requested that the final kicks off no later than 3pm on public order grounds.
The EFL were initially standing by their preference for a 4:30pm kick off due to their contract with Sky Sports, but sources on both sides have indicated that a compromise is likely with the game being brought forward.
The Carabao Cup final kick-off is set to be brought forward at the request of the police
The Metropolitan Police is concerned over potential clashes between Chelsea and Liverpool fans on February 25
The Met Police have classified Chelsea v Liverpool as a high-risk fixture after previous issues
Further discussions will take place in the next few days to resolve the issue.
The FA Cup final was brought forward to its traditional 3pm kick-off time from the initially scheduled slot of 5:30pm last season on police advice, amidst fears of all-day drinking sparking violence between Manchester United and Manchester City fans.
Similar concerns are understood to have been expressed by the police after Chelsea and Liverpool booked their places at Wembley this week with semi-final wins over Middlesbrough and Fulham respectively.
Chelsea and Liverpool met in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals in 2022 with 4:30pm and 4:45pm kick-offs respectively without major disturbances, but crowd disorder has increased over the last few years leading police to take a more pro-active and cautious approach.
Chelsea and Liverpool met in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals in 2022 with 4:30pm and 4:45pm kick-offs respectively without major disturbances
Football-related arrests rose to a nine-year high of 2,264 last season, including 200 for a new offence of possessing class A drugs.
Chelsea and Liverpool fans have also clashed since their last meetings at Wembley, which has been noted by the police.
Video footage showed fans fighting in a pub near Anfield following the clubs’ Premier League meeting last January.
The EFL declined to comment.
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