As a result of Monday's strike ballot and the proposed industrial action on London Underground on Boxing Day, West Ham United's Barclays Premier League match against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium, originally planned for Wednesday 26 December, has been postponed.
West Ham United and Arsenal liaised closely with all the relevant agencies, including the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London, London Underground, The Premier League and Islington Council, in order to reach this decision.
The paramount concern was always the duty of care towards supporters of both sides and everyone else who was planning to attend the match on Boxing Day.
In addition to the proposed industrial action on London Underground on Boxing Day, there are extremely limited services operating on National Rail train services into London on this day. Also, normal parking restrictions close to the stadium still apply. This would have caused severe disruption, or at worst, inability for supporters or matchday employees and workers to get to Emirates Stadium.
We apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused supporters but we feel that the right decision has been made.
Tickets already purchased for this match are still valid for the rearranged date, which is yet to be confirmed.
However, supporters should note that the rearranged fixture will be played on either Wednesday 23 January (kick-off 7.45pm) or Saturday 26 January (kick-off 3pm). The date of the fixture will be determined by the results in the FA Cup Third Round, which is being played on the weekend of Saturday 5 January and Sunday 6 January. Please look out for updates on whufc.com, the club's twitter and Facebook pages.