Controversial plans to stage Liverpool’s visit to Arsenal on Christmas Eve face being derailed by stadium safety concerns amid the reluctance of stewards to staff the game.

Talks remain ongoing between Arsenal, Islington Council, the Metropolitan Police and Liverpool over a proposal to broadcast the Premier League’s first Christmas Eve match since 1995 but, as well the threat of a fan boycott, there are now fears that it will not be possible to meet safety regulations.

Clubs must get a safety certificate from their local council for every match and, as of this morning, it is understood that Arsenal were still unable to guarantee that sufficient numbers of stewards would be willing to work at that time.

The issue was also discussed and voted on at a meeting of the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust on Monday night, with 99 per cent of members saying that they would be opposed to a possible 4pm Christmas Eve kick-off. Just under half - 45 per cent – also said that they would not attend if the match is staged at this time. A spokesman for the AST warned that there could be “a record number of empty seats at The Emirates” should the match take place on Christmas Eve.