Premier League could BLOCK fans from attending games on the last day over sporting integrity fears

The Premier League could block supporters from attending matches on the final day of the season due to concerns over sporting integrity. 

As part of Boris Johnson‘s announcement yesterday regarding a roadmap out of lockdown, up to 10,000 fans or 25 per cent of a stadium’s capacity (whichever is smallest) could attend sporting events from May 17. 

That would make the final day of the Premier League season – May 23 – as marking the return of supporters inside football stadiums. But latest reports state that the Premier League has yet to decide whether fans will be allowed back in, with ‘clubs to be consulted on sporting integrity issues.’

It is not guaranteed that fans will be back in for Fulham’s game against Newcastle on May 23 

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Fans were banned from stadiums in March 2020, and returned briefly before lockdown three

The Prime Minister’s strategy will see rules eased on five-weekly intervals, with easing planned for March 8, March 29, April 12, May 17 and June 21

Final-day games include Fulham hosting Newcastle at Craven Cottage, which could well prove to be a relegation-decider – three points currently separate the two sides.  

Speaking in the Commons on Monday, the Prime Minister revealed plans for a cautious return of supporters to attend top level sport in time for the last round of Premier League fixtures, the European Championships, Wimbledon and the Rugby League World Cup, among other stellar events in the nation’s summer of sport.   

From May 17, indoor venues will be allowed to admit up to a maximum of 1,000 spectators, or half their capacity if that figure is lower.

For outdoor events, there will be a maximum of 4,000 fans allowed, or half a venue’s capacity (whichever figure is lower).

However, at the biggest stadiums, with a capacity above 16,000, such as Wembley and Premier League football grounds, a maximum of 10,000 fans will be allowed, or a quarter of capacity (whichever figure is lower). 

The roadmap document said: ‘The Government will also make a special provision for large, outdoor, seated venues where crowds can be safely distributed, allowing up to 10,000 people or 25 per cent of total seated capacity, whichever is lower.

‘In addition, pilots will run as part of the Events Research Programme to examine how such events can take place without the need for social distancing using other mitigations such as testing.’ 

More to follow…