Premier
League clubs have urged the Government to remain committed to the scheduled
controlled return of fans on October 1 following a meeting on Thursday.
Boris Johnson said last week plans for fans to return to sports stadiums
from October 1 are to be reviewed, but that "doesn't mean we are abandoning
it completely, we just need to review it".
Eight EFL clubs have been given permission to admit up to 1,000 spectators
at games this weekend as part of the ongoing 'return of fans' pilot
programme, with the organisation still in discussions with the government
about a return for supporters in greater numbers after October 1.
The Premier League and its clubs met on Thursday to discuss the return of
their supporters to stadiums, noting the "significant impact" of the loss of
matchday revenues during the coronavirus pandemic.
A statement from the Premier League read: "Safety remains the number one
priority and clubs reiterated their commitment to ensuring Premier League
stadiums will be among the safest public places, through the effective use
of a wide range of mitigation measures.
"Clubs will adopt a range of common standards, which will help deliver
bio-secure, safe environments for fans across the League.
"Clubs reaffirmed that the continued loss of matchday revenues is having a
significant impact across the League as well as on the football pyramid and
local and national economies.
"Taking into account the high safety standards which will be set by the
Premier League in conjunction with the relevant public authorities, the
League and clubs urge Government to remain committed to the October 1 date
for the controlled return of fans to sporting venues."
Eight EFL games to host fans this weekend
Norwich and Middlesbrough are among eight EFL clubs who will be allowed to
admit up to 1,000 spectators at games this weekend.
From the Championship, Norwich's home clash with Preston and Middlesbrough's
match versus Bournemouth will both see fans allowed into the ground.
Luton were due to host fans for their Championship fixture against Derby on
Saturday, but pulled out, citing a lack of preparation time as the reason.
In League One Charlton vs Doncaster Rovers, Blackpool vs Swindon Town,
Shrewsbury vs Northampton and Hull vs Crewe will also see supporters
admitted.
Forest Green Rovers vs Bradford City and Carlisle United vs Southend will
host fans in the League Two fixtures. Morecambe had been due to host
supporters for their match against Cambridge, but also pulled out.
The eight EFL games to host fans
Championship
Norwich City vs Preston North End
Middlesbrough vs AFC Bournemouth
League One
Charlton Athletic vs Doncaster Rovers
Blackpool vs Swindon Town
Shrewsbury Town vs Northampton Town
Hull City vs Crewe Alexandra
League Two
Forest Green Rovers vs Bradford City
Carlisle United vs Southend United
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