MYSTERY surrounds the absence of Liverpool’s name on the official release announcing the Community Shield will be played on August 29.
The FA confirmed SunSport’s story from Tuesday that the 2020-21 curtain-raiser will be staged at Wembley.
Liverpool were left off the FA’s official Community Shield announcement, while Arsenal and Chelsea were namedCredit: AP:Associated Press
The intention is to use the game as a test event to allow fans back into stadiums.
The statement only made reference to “the winners of the Premier League” – omitting the name of Jurgen Klopp’s side – but naming both FA Cup finalists Chelsea and Arsenal.
The release read: “We can now confirm that either Arsenal or Chelsea will return to Wembley for the FA Community Shield supported by McDonald’s next month.
“The traditional curtain-raiser of the new season will take place at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Saturday 29 August, with the Premier League champions taking on one of the two London clubs who are competing in the Heads Up FA Cup Final this weekend.
“Kick-off time, broadcast details and more details will be announced in due course.”
SunSport understands an initial draft press release was drawn up yesterday containing Liverpool.
But for some reason it was requested the club be removed from the final version.
That change delayed the announcement from being made as FA officials sought to get sign-off from all parties involved.
Why Liverpool, as confirmed and indisputable Premier League champions, are not named remains unclear.
There has been some concern raised over whether staging the Community Shield gives the clubs involved enough of a break between the end of last season and the beginning of the next campaign.
It is understood the Premier League clubs have reached a consensus that each side would have a minimum gap of 30 days between competitive matches.
FA Cup finalists Arsenal and Chelsea were both named, while Liverpool were notCredit: EPA
That informal agreement means there is a chance the new league campaign will see a staggered start.
Teams involved in the latter stages of the 2019-20 Champions League and Europa League could kick-off as much as three weeks late next season.
The FA have been contacted for comment.
Willian’s agent Kia Joorabchian outlines Chelsea winger’s four transfer offers
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
