Carabao Cup final kick-off time could be moved amid fears over Chelsea and Liverpool fans

The Carabao Cup final kick-off is set to be brought forward due to concerns over potential scuffles between Chelsea and Liverpool fans.

The final was scheduled for a 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday February 25 but the Metropolitan Police want the Wembley showpiece to begin earlier in the day due to the high-risk nature of the fixture.

Police have requested that the game kicks off no later than 3pm on public order grounds with further discussions set to take place in the coming days.

Last season’s FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United was brought forward to a 3pm kick-off after initially being scheduled to start at 5.30pm.

The change was made on police advice amid fears of fan clashes sparked by all-day drinking in the capital.

Chelsea and Liverpool faced each other in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals at Wembley in 2022.

The kick-off times of 4.45pm and 4.40pm respectively went without any major incidents but heightened tensions and recent disorder has led police to take a more cautious approach.

Chelsea and Liverpool fans have become embroiled in clashes since the Wembley showdowns of 2022, which were noted by police.

A fight which broke out at a pub near Anfield before the side’s Premier League clash at Anfield in January 2023 was captured on CCTV.

Liverpool and Chelsea face each other in a dress rehearsal for next month’s final when the Blues head to Anfield in the Premier League next Wednesday.