Premier League games all on TV until fans return

The Premier League committed yesterday to televising all games until fans return to stadiums, as the Government finalises its timetable for easing the second lockdown.

The Government is increasingly hopeful of allowing spectators to return this summer if vaccination rates continue on the current trajectory. However, Brighton & Hove Albion became the latest club to say that only small numbers of fans are likely to be back before the end of this season, despite the success of the inoculation programme so far.

The extended absence of supporters due to the pandemic has seen the Premier League televise all games since Project Restart. An agreement was due to expire at the end of the month, but Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon Prime Video and the BBC will show games until fans are again allowed to attend matches.

Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary, said he was “very pleased” at the promise to ensure fans can watch all games “until it’s safe for them to be in stadiums”. “This was the principle we agreed when the Government helped broker Project Restart last year,” he said.

The overriding ambition among senior figures is that Britain’s success in rolling out the vaccine will make the divisive argument about medical proof unnecessary.

However, with Boris Johnson reaffirming enthusiasm for the use of lateral flow rapid testing, Whitehall remains open to the prospect of less discriminatory measures for fans to prove they are Covid-free.

The Premier League is ready and enthusiastic about grounds reopening to crowds, but said it is “committed to an accessible solution for fans” while gates remain closed.

A statement read: “This arrangement will be extended until government guidance permits supporters to return to stadiums.

“All matches will be shown via existing broadcast partners Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon Prime Video and the BBC.”