CROWD PLEASER
Return would be fan-tastic result STRUGGLERS STAND FIRM OVER RELEGATION
PREMIER League clubs believe that there is a genuine chance of fans being allowed back for the start of next season.
It would have to be in greatly reduced numbers to allow some degree of social distancing – but the hope is that stadiums will have supporters by September.
The 20 clubs are hopeful that it can be done in stages, as they agreed in principle that the 2020-21 season will kick off on the weekend of September 12 and 13.
While it was not discussed in any detail at yesterday’s Premier League meeting, it is understood there is a growing confidence that some fans will be allowed in next term.
The rest of this season will be played out behind closed doors, with a maximum of 300 people allowed in to each game, which includes players, managers, officials and broadcasters.
Stadiums will be under strict supervision and large chunks of the bottom tiers of grounds will even be closed off, with clubs able to show their badges in the wrap-around material.
But no fans are allowed in, which impacts on gate receipts
PREMIER League clubs remain split on what should happen if the season is stopped a second time – less than a fortnight before it’s due to start again.
It means League bosses are in serious danger of failing to reach an agreement with all 20 clubs about how final places will be decided ahead of the resumption on June 17.
The hitch emerged following a three-hour League shareholders meeting via video and stadium sponsorship deals – and supporters being allowed back in when it is safe is a huge issue for clubs already struggling because of the financial crisis.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has already admitted he is hopeful some fans will be allowed in next season.
Speaking last week, Masters said: “No one knows when conference call to discuss the next stages of Project Restart.
Most clubs favour using a points per game scenario to decide which team finishes where if the season has to be curtailed due to a spike in the Covid-19 virus.
But it is understood several clubs, including Brighton and West Ham, still matches will move away from the behind-closed-doors model.
“It’s right to have contingency plans but there is optimism at the Premier League and at clubs that we will start to see fans back in stadiums next season, maybe on a phased basis.”
The Government initially warned supporters may not be allowed in for the whole of next would like to see relegation abandoned for the current campaign.
League chief executive Richard Masters (right) remains desperate to find a solution all clubs can agree on before the season kicks off again and will hold further talks with members next week. But clubs want the issue taken off the table unless there is a second shutdown.
Before the meeting took season or until a vaccine is found but other countries in Europe – including Spain – are making plans to try and get some in.
And the mood is also changing in England, although the Premier League are clearly reluctant to set any timescale because the UK has been harder hit by the coronavirus than any other European country. place, Brighton chief executive Paul Barber made it clear he still hoped there would be no relegation should the top-flight season be ended early.
He said: “Back in 2015 at this stage of the season, Leicester City were bottom then they went on to survive the following season. They won the Premier League the season after that, and they had a great run in the Champions League.
“So history for one club in a scenario where the league ended early and relegation was enforced would have completely been changed.
“So I hope that’s not the case. We would still expect there to be a fair outcome to the season, whatever that may be.”
One issue clubs did agree on was to approve the temporary change from three substitutes to five during games once the campaign starts again, with the maximum number of substitutes in a squad lifted from seven to nine.