Since 1871, December 26 or Boxing Day has been a public holiday in England. Converted into a commercial festival in which stores offer sales, following the model of the American Black Friday, Boxing Day retains a particular importance in the field of sport and, in particular, football.

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There are several theories about the cultural origin of Boxing Day. The most widespread holds that this famous “box day” was born in the 19th century among families with domestic staff. The day after Christmas, servants were allowed to take the day off and fill a box with the remains of the Christmas meal and possibly gifts from the owner of the house. Some historians believe that this custom originated earlier, in the 15th century. On Christmas Day an offering box was set up in the churches and on December 26 its contents were distributed to the poor. Last hypothesis, which states that Boxing Day is related to maritime expeditions of the same period. Superstitious sailors filled a lucky box with coins in the hope of not perishing during the voyage.

derby day

As for football, the tradition dates back to December 26, 1860. Sheffield FC, the oldest football club founded in 1857, faced the city's other team, Hallam FC, founded in 1860, in which became the first derby in history and the first in history. interclub match. Over time, football developed in the United Kingdom, the clubs multiplied and the Boxing Day event was consolidated to the point of becoming essential in the 1960s. In 1963, no less than 66 goals were scored in the ten matches of the Division One, predecessor of the Premier League, including a crushing victory for Liverpool against Stoke (6-1) or a prolific draw between West Ham and Tottenham (4-4). But the offensive festival does not end there. During the 39 matches played on British fields that day the nets shook 157 times. Boxing Day becomes the day when anything is possible.

That same year, the euphoria of Boxing Day was imposed on the Fulham players, the fourth worst attack of the 1963-64 season, which blew up Ipswich Town (10-1), the worst defense in the league. Two days later, on December 28, 1963, the magic fell again: Fulham traveled to Ipswish and lost (2-4). Today, the Premier League calendar ensures that this derby custom is respected by limiting the duration of travel. Boxing Day, a true celebration of football in Britain, attracts families to the stadium and creates a friendly atmosphere. Every year the occupancy rate of English venues is around 95-100%. Boxing Day begins this Thursday with the match between Tottenham and Brighton.

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