Clubs set to vote on fan return plan
NEWCASTLE’S final-day clash with relegation rivals Fulham could potentially be played behind closed doors.
Premier League clubs are set to vote on whether fans will be allowed back for the final day of the season amid fears that home teams would be given a significant advantage.
After Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced England’s roadmap out of coronavirus lockdown on Monday, it was confirmed that up to 10,000 fans could be let into matches from May 17.
That would see fans potentially allowed to attend the last round of Premier League fixtures on May 23, when the Magpies travel to Fulham for what could be a crucial game in the relegation battle.
Yet Premier League clubs are yet to decide how to approach the return of fans, with concerns that large attendances for decisive matches will give some clubs an unfair boost.
United have not played a single game in front of fans at St James’ Park this season and will not get a chance to do so until next season in all likelihood. Other clubs in London and Liverpool were briefly able to allow supporters to attend before the current lockdown.
Reports suggest that clubs are set to vote on the issue, which could well mean that 14 out of 20 clubs need to vote in favour for fans in order to attend.
Another thing the league will consider is whether clubs will be allowed to host pilot matches staged from mid-April as part of the Government’s plan to hold test events prior to allowing large-scale gathering.
Test events would hinge on how successful earlier easings of lockdown measures, such as allowing household mixing, have been.
While the Magpies could well end up facing Fulham in front of fans at Craven Cottage, it appears unlikely that there will be 10,000 inside the West London ground.
The Government’s announcement on Monday states that venues will be allowed to have up to 10,000 fans in attendance – but this number will also be limited to 25% of their capacity.
With Craven Cottage’s capacity currently reduced to 19,359 while a new stand is being built, a maximum of 4,839 fans would be allowed to attend should the Premier League allow it.