After nine months of ghost games, the Premier League is preparing for fans’ return to the stadiums. There are already big plans of the clubs.
The return of the fans to the English stadiums is getting closer after nine months. Most recently, the fans were allowed to cheer on the edge of the pitch at the beginning of March.
On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that from 2 December, 4,000 people will be able to gather again at outdoor sporting events. State Secretary Oliver Dowden reaffirmed the plans.
There should be three levels depending on the number of infections in the regions. With very few infections, up to 4,000 fans are allowed to enter the stadiums, up to 2,000 supporters in somewhat more affected areas and ghost games in crisis regions.
Prohibition of cheering for fans
Now the English daily The Sun has published plans for exactly what the return of the spectators should look like. On Thursday, the rules will be finally announced once the government has divided the regions into the appropriate stages.
A strict code of conduct should apply. According to the report, masks must be worn when entering and leaving the stadium and may only be removed in the places. Singing should be allowed, but not physical contact. It is therefore forbidden to cheer together on the seats.
People with symptoms should stay at home. In addition, there should be strict monitoring in the arenas: fans who do not comply with the regulations are expelled from the site.
Rick Parry, chairman of the English Football League, described the return of fans as “a welcome start”, which could be a “rescue anchor” for the clubs below the Premier League.
Premier League plans pilot projects with 10,000 fans.