Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea gets new kick-off time after police worry

The Carabao Cup clash between Liverpool and Chelsea scheduled at Wembley next month will begin earlier than initially scheduled following the classification by the Met Police as a “high-risk” event.

Police concerns have prompted an earlier kickoff for the Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea. Originally set for 4:30 pm on Sunday, February 25, the match has been rescheduled at the request of the Metropolitan Police following the teams’ progression to the final.

Due to its classification as “high risk” by the police, the Carabao Cup final has been rescheduled to kick off no later than 3 pm, a request granted by moving the kickoff time back 90 minutes from the original schedule.

Disappointingly, the change in kickoff time to accommodate police concerns comes at a late stage, especially after the usual 4.30pm kickoff time had been confirmed in coordination with Wembley Stadium and Sky Sports.

Fans, especially those traveling to the game, expressed frustration at the late change. One fan questioned how the authorities would assist those who had already made travel arrangements. Another called the situation “absolutely laughable,” while a third expressed outrage, hoping for consistency in scheduling future events.

A fourth fan questioned the inconsistency, noting the late kick-off time for the upcoming Wednesday game against the same team. A fifth fan humorously commented on the timing, suggesting that people can only engage in altercations after half past four. Another fan jokingly remarked that the authorities might have chosen the earlier time just to annoy Klopp.

Liverpool and Chelsea had previously met twice at Wembley in 2022, with both finals starting at 4:15 pm and 4:30 pm, respectively, without any significant issues. Similarly, last year’s FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City also had an earlier kick-off.