Neutral venues ‘a must’
IT’S growing more likely fans won’t be able to watch Huddersfield Town live until 2021.
The English Football League is in discussions over how to end the current season, which has been curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic, but it is widely accepted all games will be played behind closed doors if and when the action can resume.
League Two clubs met for a conference call on Thursday where certain proposals were discussed and Bradford have revealed the
PREMIER League clubs have been told the remaining matches of the season must be played at neutral venues.
The clubs were presented with the league’s ‘Project Restart’ plans at a meeting yesterday, and while a statement was issued reconfirming the clubs’ commitment to finishing the season, it is understood there is no possibility that it can now finish on a home-andaway basis for safety reasons.
The restart plans were understood to have been well received, but there remains opposition on competition and integrity grounds about the idea of finishing the season at neutral venues.
Clubs are expected to vote on the key principles of ‘Project Restart’ some time after May 7, when the Government must review the current UK lockdown.
The UK national football policing lead, Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts of South Yorkshire Police, said that playing all matches in the Premier League and EFL at their original venues would ‘present challenges’ for the emergency services at a time when they are already stretched.
It is understood there were still no discussions around declaring the season null and void or curtailing it, with France and Holland having been forced to end their competitions because of government orders.
Return-to-training protocols, which include wearing face masks or snoods, were presented to clubs. Teams will consult with playing and management staff on the proposals, which are still subject to approval.