In our podcast “Minute Papillon! “, We find today an episode of our series” Once upon a time in the history of sport “. We are going to talk about the tradition of “boxing day”, December 26, a public holiday in Great Britain. The English Premier League footballers are playing a league match today, while almost all European countries are taking a break.
These matches are highly anticipated and the stadiums are full. This day has been considered as one of all possibilities since 1963. Indeed, on December 26 of this year, the ten elite games had accumulated 66 goals. Note the mind-blowing score of 10-1 for the formation of Fuhlam against Ipswich Town.
Why are the English attached to “boxing day”?
Where does this tradition come from, which originally also concerned Christmas Day? Why are the English attached to it? To answer these questions, two guests were needed for this podcast: 20 minutes questioned
Martin johnsWelsh historian and
Darren tulett, English journalist at beIN Sports. They look back on the beginnings of this sporting tradition, and the popular enthusiasm of the British for these matches. A tradition which would have, it seems, put off Michel Platini when he was a footballer.
And in France ? It is usually relaxed. But the French championship will exceptionally play between Christmas and the New Year in 2022 because of the organization of the World Cup. This will take place from November 21 to December 18. A Ligue 1 day will be played on Wednesday December 28 and another on January 1, 2023. Ligue 2 will follow…
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To listen to all the explanations of Martin Johnes and Darren Tulett about the “boxing day”, it’s in the audio player above.
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Thanks to Olivier Esteves and Christel Gauthier for their precious help.