Planned tube strikes have forced Arsenal to postpone their Boxing Day clash with West Ham United.

The two clubs have spent the past few days in discussions with the Premier League and Islington Council in order to reach a decision.

Following those talks, all parties have decided that as well as the strikes, other factors would have made the match too difficult for supporters to attend at the Emirates Stadium.

"The paramount concern was always the duty of care towards supporters of both sides and everyone else who was planning to attend the match on Boxing Day," read a statement on West Ham's official website.

"In addition to the proposed industrial action on London Underground on Boxing Day, there are extremely limited services operating on National Rail train services into London on this day. Also, normal parking restrictions close to the stadium still apply.

"This would have caused severe disruption, or at worst, inability for supporters or matchday employees and workers to get to Emirates Stadium.

"We apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused supporters but we feel that the right decision has been made."

The match will now be played on either Wednesday, January 23 or the following Saturday.