Premier League reject Liverpool’s appeal to be spared playing two games within 44 hours

Jurgen Klopp was unhappy when it was last month revealed that Liverpool must play Man City on New Years Eve (5.30pm) before Sunderland on January 2 (3pm)

Liverpool’s appeal to the Premier League to be spared playing two games inside 44 hours has been rejected.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp objected to the League scheduling their home clash with Manchester City on New Year’s Eve at 5.30pm when they are due to play at Sunderland on January 2 at 3pm.

The League rejected Liverpool’s protests and feel it would set a dangerous precedent to bow to their demands when all the clubs agreed to the terms of the latest TV deal.

City must also play twice in the same time frame, although their game on January 2 is at home to Burnley.

Klopp will not be happy and he was stunned when told of the fixture changes last month.

“We have less than 48 hours between our game against Man City on December 31 and in Sunderland on the second,” he said at the time.

“Forty-eight hours is an interesting idea, but less than 48 hours, I cannot believe.”