The best things about Boxing Day football

A survey of 2,000 football fans found many love the congested calendar around Christmas as they get to watch their team several times over the festive break.

The sheer number of games to watch (23 per cent) and finally saying goodbye to ‘Christmassy’ TV and movies (23 per cent) also scored high among fans.

While 12 per cent relish watching games with the anticipation of the January transfer window about to open.

Other reasons fans love festive football include it being a perfect excuse to have a ‘break’ from the family (14 per cent) and seeing squad players get a runout (nine per cent).

A spokesperson for Lottoland’s Sportsbook, which commissioned the research, said: "Boxing Day is a sacred time for football fans. While players and managers might occasionally moan about having to miss out on the Christmas pudding with games kicking off left right and centre, fans love it.

“It’s not just the matches on the 26th, the festive period as a whole is jam-packed with games to watch, so there are plenty of opportunities to have a ‘break’ from the family as so many seem to want.”

On average, footie fans will watch five games live throughout December – one every six days – although some will sit through 10 or more.

Over a third of fans (39 per cent) will be placing bets on the matches over that time, with 28 per cent believing they are luckier with their wins during the Christmas period.

More than half (54 per cent) will use the opportunity to bond with family members over matches, and 32 per cent are more likely to watch games their team isn’t even playing in, just because they’re on. For one in four, watching football on December 26th is simply more enjoyable than any other time of year, with 54 per cent saying it even makes them proud to be British.

An integral part to the festive season