Premier League stadiums to remain out of reach for away fans
According to the Daily Mail, fans could return to Premier League matches as early as October 3.
Premier League chiefs held talks with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on Thursday. The Secretary of State Oliver Dowden was also privy to the discussions. The agenda was to begin finalising the details to welcome back the fans.
As per the statement, the plan involves bringing fans back initially with reduced capacities. However, there will not be any place for away fans to attend games at least for the foreseeable future.
According to the report, clubs are set to give preference to home fans who are also season ticket holders. This is expected to be the case until stadiums can operate at full capacity.
The concerned authorities are set to restrict attendances to between 20 and 30 per cent during the first phase of the fans’ return. The league is currently working on a one-size-fits-all plan for each club. This will be determined by factors such as stadium design, transport links and local infection rates.
This could give the home teams more of an advantage going into next season. With no fans to egg them on, away teams will be more alone than before.
Trips to our biggest rivals such as Liverpool and Manchester United could be a test of the players’ fortitude given the boisterous nature of support observed there.
The last game to be held at Stamford Bridge at full capacity was against Everton in the Premier League. The Blues won 4-0 on the night in front of 40,694 spectators. (h/t Sky Sports)
If the October 3 deadline is met, Chelsea will welcome the fans on the same night against Crystal Palace. Whether it comes to pass or not remains to be seen. (h/t Sky Sports)
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The Government and Premier League’s approach is understandable considering the circumstances we are in right now.
With the COVID-19 pandemic still going strong, to ignore proper safety measures could be suicidal. Hopefully, this will all pass soon and the fans can once again cheer their team from the comfort of the Bridge. After all, football without fans is nothing.