Christmas: It's the most wonderful time of the year, according to former pop singer Andy Williams anyway.
There's mountains of presents, food and drink to enjoy, and plenty of football on offer for fans to immerse themselves in thanks to a fixture-packed festive period.
Of course, Christmas isn't good news for professional footballers. After all, there's no rest for them as the matches come thick and fast in and around Christmas and New Year, and their strict diets ensure there won't be second helpings or lots of alcohol to enjoy.
What if, however, footballers decided to pick up a fifth booking that would ensure a one-match suspension at just the right time to coincide with, say, Boxing Day? Or how about a red card for two bookable offences ahead of New Year's eve?
It turns out, that kind of thing happens. And happens a lot, according to ex-referee Howard Webb.
The former match official revealed to BT Sport that footballers would often ask to be booked so they could enjoy spending time with their families, have a cheeky drink and maybe a turkey sandwich or two. Not convinced? Here's the evidence:
How much do #PL players want time off at Christmas? Some have even asked @HowardMWebb for a booking. #UCL https://t.co/K0c2aRRjJv
Suffice to say, fans took to twitter to express their annoyance at the revelation:
@btsportfootball @HowardMWebb They want time off earning ridiculously huge amounts of money on a weekly basis樂 #PL
@MirrorFootball @RobbieSavage8 Why is he only bringing this up now on TV? Should of been reported to the FA. Whole game is corrupt!!
@MirrorFootball lol i guess you can't blame them, but obviously unprofessional
Webb is right in that it's not something that will leave football fans particularly pleased with some of their stars, and no doubt many will be keeping a close eye on their players in the run-up to Christmas.
Maybe it's time to have a rethink over that rumoured winter break in the UK's footballing divisions...
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