LONDON, March 29: Chelsea have reacted angrily to having a potentially crucial Premier League match at Everton in mid-April brought forward by two days to suit television, claiming the move could hand Manchester United or Arsenal the title.

Chelsea, who play Wigan on Monday April 14, will now travel to Goodison Park on the Thursday of that week rather than on the Saturday as first planned.

In a statement, the west London club claimed the move gave rival clubs an unfair advantage.

It stated: “We believe the decision to hold the match on April 17 undermines the sporting integrity of the competition by giving our rivals for the Premier League title an unnecessary competitive advantage at a critical time of the season, with more recovery time from their previous match and preparation time for their next fixture when we have to play two games during the same period.

“Secondly there has been no consideration given to our fans who will be presented with serious travel, work and other issues.”—AFP