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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jack Rosser

Premier League planning for ‘full, vibrant stadiums’ for start of next season

The Premier League want "full, vibrant stadiums, including away supporters" from the start of next season, after it was confirmed up to 10,000 fans will be permitted for the final two rounds of this season.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that outdoor sports venues in England will be allowed to open at a reduced capacity from May 17.

Stadiums will be open to home fans only for the final two rounds of the Premier League matches on May 18/19 and May 23, with each club having one home match.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: "It will be brilliant to see fans back.

“They have been hugely missed and the Premier League has not been the same without them. Their presence will ensure a fantastic finale to the end of our season.

"Although only a small number of home fans will be at our matches next week, this is an important step in our return to normality.

"We will continue to work with the Government and other authorities as our priority is to have full, vibrant stadiums — including away supporters — from the start of next season. Only then will we get back to the real Premier League."

Fans will not require Covid passports for the final two games of this season, although they are being considered as an option to facilitate full-capacity fixtures next season.

Games will be managed much in the same way as those where 2,000 supporters were allowed in during December, with social-distancing in place in the stands and no alcohol on sale within stadiums.

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