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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matt Maltby

Eight 'neutral' grounds given green light by Premier League clubs if football returns

Premier League clubs have given the green light to play the remaining 2019-20 matches at eight neutral venues up and down the country, according to reports.

The clubs were presented with the league's 'Project Restart' plans at a meeting on Friday, and while a statement was issued reconfirming the clubs' commitment to finishing the season, it is understood there is no possibility that it can now finish on a home-and-away basis for safety reasons.

The restart plans were understood to have been well received, but there remains opposition on competition and integrity grounds about the idea of finishing the season at neutral venues.

It is understood the Premier League will look at using between eight and 10 stadiums, with venues likely to be chosen for ease of ensuring social distancing - which would appear to favour more out-of-town sites.

General view of the pitch at Manchester United's Old Trafford home (PA)

The Sun has listed eight venues on the table to complete the season, with Brighton's Amex Stadium and Southampton St Mary's potentially hosting matches on the south coast.

West Ham's London Stadium and Arsenal's Emirates home have been touted as venues in the capital, while Leicester's King Power and Aston Villa's Villa Park are the Midlands stadiums.

And Manchester United's Old Trafford, along with Manchester City's Etihad, will provide a north west base.

Wembley and St George's Park are back-up options, it is claimed.

A general view of the Amex Stadium in Brighton (Getty Images)

It has also been reiterated that no club will play in their own stadium, to try and ensure Premier League integrity is maintained.

It is also understood the EFL is still intent on playing the remainder of its campaigns behind closed doors at the regular venues, but the governing body is aware current plans may need to change.

Clubs are expected to vote on the key principles of 'Project Restart' some time after May 7, when the Government must review the current UK lockdown.

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