Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has slammed football authorities as 'irresponsible' after his side were faced with a fixture nightmare - but Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hit back.

Following Wednesday's commanding 3-0 triumph over Liverpool at Anfield, Palace have secured their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. However, this success has created a scheduling headache for Glasner's squad. The Eagles are due to face Manchester City on Sunday, December 14, followed by a Conference League clash against KuPS on 18 December, before taking on Leeds on December 21.

Arsenal, Palace's quarter-final adversaries, are pushing for their Emirates showdown to take place on Tuesday, December 16. If the North London giants succeed in their request, Palace would be compelled to play two fixtures in three days, three in five, four in eight, or five in 11, reports the Mirror.

"I can't believe this won't be fixed," Glasner complained. "It would be irresponsible for the players and we have a responsibility for them and we have to look after their welfare, but...