Football fans could be back in stadiums in time for NEXT SEASON, says minister – as he warns them to stay away from grounds as the Premier League FINALLY kicks off again
- Oliver Dowden said he hoped ‘some’ supporters will be allowed in next season
- The top flight began again behind closed doors due to coronavirus
- Aston Villa v Sheffield United is first game since the league halted in March
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Football fans could be back watching their teams in time for next season, the Culture Secretary said tonight as the Premier League restarted after three months in limbo.
Oliver Dowden said he hoped that ‘some’ supporters could in time be allowed in to watch games from the stands, as the top flight began again behind closed doors due to coronavirus.
Aston Villa take on Sheffield United tonight in the first game since the league was suspended in March, with runaway league leaders Liverpool expected to quickly wrap up the title.
All the remaining 92 matches must be played behind closed doors, with mass gatherings banned due to social distancing measures designed to limit the spread of the virus.
Taking the daily Downing Street press conference this evening, Mr Downden said: ‘I would really hope that by the return of the new season we might be in a position whereby some fans could start to return to stadiums.
‘And I know that would be another important part of restoring the financial position of clubs.’
But hailing the ‘hugely symbolic moment’ in the coronavirus recovery he pleaded with fans not to go to games or congregate outside the grounds.
Oliver Dowden said he hoped that ‘some’ supporters could be allowed in to watch games as the top flight begins again behind closed doors due to coronavirus.
Aston Villa took on Sheffield United tonight in the first game since the league was suspended in March, with players taking a knee in support of Black Lives Matter before kick off
Villa can move out of the relegation zone with a win against European-chasing Sheffield United in a game that started at 6pm
Villa can move out of the relegation zone with a win against European-chasing Sheffield United in a game that started at 6pm, with reigning champions Man City hosting Arsenal in the second contest at 8.15pm.
An Arsenal win would mean Liverpool could lift the trophy with a win at rivals Everton on Sunday.
Fears have been raised about fans congregating but Mr Dowden said that there was ‘nothing to be gained’ from crowding outside stadiums while football matches were going on.
The Cabinet minister said he had been ‘working closely’ with police on how to deal with such incidents.
‘Police have appropriate powers and they will be able to use them as necessary,’ he said.
‘But I really hope this situation won’t arise in the first place. I really do trust the good sense of football fans up and down the country, and indeed of the British public, to know that you can watch this safely at home.
‘There is nothing to be gained from congregating outside a stadium.
‘The only thing that can happen if you congregate outside a stadium is to put at risk public health.’