Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Reds get all-clear to play key matches at Anfield
LIVERPOOL have been given the green light to potentially seal their first league title in 30 years at Anfield after it had looked as though any decisive game could be moved to a neutral venue.
The Reds need six points to seal their first championship since 1990, and Merseyside Police have given the go-ahead for what could be the crucial game against Crystal Palace on June 24 to be played at Anfield.
Liverpool’s Premier League matches against city rivals Everton and Manchester City, both due to be away fixtures, are the only ones which might have to be played at neutral venues with police forces and local authorities giving approval for the rest of the initial 32 confirmed fixtures to be played on a home-andaway basis.
The Merseyside derby, pictured, has been fixed as a 7pm kick-off on Sunday, June 21, with the match one of 33 in the remaining 92 to be made available free to air, in this case on Sky’s Pick channel.
A decision on where the match will be played is expected to be made on Monday, when Liverpool City Council’s safety advisory group meets to decide whether the game can be played at Goodison Park as scheduled or needs to be moved away, as the English top-flight prepares to resume behind closed doors amid the global coronavirus pandemic. The London derbies between Tottenham and West Ham on June 23, and West Ham and Chelsea on July 1 have been approved by the Metropolitan Police.
The Sky Bet Championship resumes on June 20, with the last round of regular-season games now due to take place in midweek, on July 21 and 22. The Championship play-off final will take place on either Sunday, August 2 – the day after the date scheduled for the FA Cup final – or Monday, August 3.
Broadcasters Sky Sports and the English Football League have announced that all Championship season ticket holders will be able to watch their club’s remaining games for free, either live on their channels as usual, or via iFollow. Non-season ticket holders will also be able to view matches, at the cost of £10 for a match pass.