Police have confirmed plans for a "small number" of Premier League matches to be played at neutral venues - including the derby.
The force insist that no decisions have been taken yet but in a statement issued to the Press Association today, Deputy chief constable Mark Roberts, the UK’s football policing lead has confirmed that they want some games to be played at neutral venues.
It is also said that any game in which Liverpool could clinch the Premier League title would also be played at a neutral venue. The 20 clubs have agreed for matches to resume on June 17 with the game between Everton and Liverpool scheduled to take place on June 20.
Roberts said: “Our discussions with the Premier League throughout this process have been positive, with a shared focus on the priority of public health.
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“As such we have reached a consensus that balances the needs of football, while also minimising the demand on policing.
“The majority of remaining matches will be played at home and away as scheduled, with a small number of fixtures taking place at neutral venues, which, contrary to some reports, have yet to be agreed.
“The views and agreement of forces which host Premier League clubs have been sought and where there were concerns, the Premier League has been supportive in providing flexibility in arranging alternative venues where requested.
“This plan will be kept continually under review to ensure public health and safety and a key part of this is for supporters to continue to respect the social distancing guidelines, and not to attend or gather outside the stadiums.”
