Clubs to push for use of all 20 stadiums

Premier League clubs will ask the government if they are able to use all 20 grounds when the league is able to return after a significant shift in stance at their meeting yesterday.

Proposals were originally put forward for a select group of neutral venues to be used, to avoid overburdening medical and police services and to avoid the possibility of fans congregating outside stadiums when matches were taking place.

But it received fierce opposition from a number of clubs who argued that it would impact on the integrity of the competition if they were not afforded home advantage. Dissenters have included Brighton, Aston Villa and Watford who will all be fighting relegation when play resumes.

As the Premier League presented a more united front yesterday, an increasing number of clubs agreed that the prospect of everyone using their own stadiums should be broached with the government.

“I think everybody would prefer to play home and away if at all possible,” Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said. “And I think it’s clear to see that some clubs feel more strongly about that than others.

“The discussions are ongoing. Nobody is saying we won’t play unless certain conditions are met. That’s not the case. What they want the Premier League to do is have an open dialogue about this topic.”