West Ham’s clash with Chelsea moved to Friday night kick off following Sky Sports request – raising alarm for increased fan violence between London rivals

West Ham United’s home opener with Chelsea is set to be moved to Friday night, after police raised no objections.

The two rivals were due to meet at the London Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday, August 23. 

However, Mail Sport understands that Sky Sports want to screen what will be an eagerly-anticipated early-season match-up a day earlier, with kick off scheduled for 8pm.

Given the historic rivalry between the two, and the fact that the game is effectively taking place in the summer, there is the spectre of a potentially-increased likelihood of trouble given a later kick-off allows for more time in the pub.

Police in the capital, however, believe they can deal with the switch, which is set to be rubber-stamped following the expected backing of other stakeholders. 

The reschedule will need the green light of the Safety Advisory Group, which is made up of officials from clubs, the local council and emergency services. Backing from the Met means such agreement should be a formality.

Both clubs and Sky declined to comment. A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘The Met works closely with partners and clubs to ensure the safety and security of those attending football matches in London, and those in the wider community.

‘We want everyone to come and enjoy themselves and will act decisively to deal with anyone intent on causing trouble.’

Last year, Mail Sport revealed that the Premier League was to pay the police millions, in what some viewed as a ‘sweetener’ to enable its clubs to play high-risk matches such as derbies in lucrative late television slots.

A payment of around £7m was agreed, in the shape of ‘an unconditional gift’. Premier League sources at the time insisted it was not a sweetener.