FOOTBALL RETURNS WITH A RESPECTFUL SALUTE
FOOTBALL finally came home again with players and officials from the first games in 100 days taking the knee in support of the anti-racism movement.
The Premier League stars’ names were removed from their shirts and replaced with the words Black Lives Matter – highlighting the global response to the death of George Floyd in America.
There was also a minute’s silence for in recognition of those who have lost their lives to coronavirus.
Players took to the pitch with wearing heart-shaped badges on their kit in tribute to front line NHS staff.
Prince William was among millions of fans celebrating the moment that supporters aound the country had been waiting three months for.
The Duke’s team, Aston Villa, got the action underway as they took on Sheffield United in the first game. It ended 0-0.
The games was followed by the clash between Manchester City and Arsenal.
Before the match, the Prince, who is president of the Football Association, tweeted: “So good to have football back, we have all missed it.
“Thank you to everyone involved for your hard work in making it happen.”
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden hailed the re-start of top flight action as “an important milestone”.
He added: “There’s no doubt this is a hugely symbolic moment – an important step forward in our careful journey back towards normality.” In another boost for fans, Mr Dowden said he hoped that supporters would be able to start returning to stadiums at the start of next season. But for now he urged football lovers to get behind their teams from the comfort of their own armchairs.
He said: “We need fans to play their part too so please look after your fellow fans and your communities by watching from home.” Every remaining fixture this season will be screened live on TV, with one in three games available to watch for free – including Liverpool’s derby clash at Everton on Sunday.
The season is due to end on July 26 but red hot favourites Liverpool – who are 25 points clear at the top of the Premier League – could wrap up the title within days.
Among those celebrating the return of football were TV stars Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, both 44.
The presenters, who are Newcastle United fans, posted the message “football is back” on Instagram as they donned their favourite team’s black and white striped kit.
But the two games in front of empty
stadiums – which would have usually been filled with a combined 100,000 fans – also underlined how much the game has had to adapt. Sheffield United’s players arrived on three different coaches to maintain social distancing before the match kicked off at 6pm.
For the rest of the season, there will be no traditional handshakes before matches, while players have had to modify goal celebrations – with hugging and kissing definitely ruled out.
Instead they head towards special “celebration cameras”.
Players also have to stagger their entry to the pitch, with five substitutes allowed in matches instead of the usual three.
No more than 300 key people will also be allowed to attend matches, while players can only take part in games after presenting a “clinical passport” to prove they don’t have coronavirus.
Former England defender Danny Mills welcomed the return of the action and reflected on the role the game plays in so many people’s lives.
He said: “I think it’s been very, very difficult for a lot of people. It’s their escape, it’s what they do.
“It’s not just about football – it’s a social occasion. It’s going to be difficult for them having to watch every game on television.
“For those who are going to win something or stave off relegation or get promotion, they are not going to be there to celebrate with their teams.
“They are the sort of moments that they live for but I think that everybody will just be absolutely delighted that football is back.”
Former Manchester City defender Sylvain Distin added: “It’s going to be very, very different for players, at least for the first few games”