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Premier League 'disappointed' by return of fans being put on hold

The Premier League says it is disappointed by the UK government's decision to postpone plans to a...



Premier League 'disappointed'...
Soccer

Premier League 'disappointed' by return of fans being put on hold

The Premier League says it is disappointed by the UK government's decision to postpone plans to allow supporters to return to matches from the start of next month.

Boris Johnson made the announcement as part of their plans to tackle the spread of coronavirus and says the restrictions could be in place for up to six-months.

The Premier League claims that fans in stadiums would be as safe or safer than any other public activity currently permitted.

"We are disappointed that the safe return of supporters to matches has been postponed," the English top-flight's organisers said in a statement.

"The Premier League is certain that, through League-wide guidelines and a code of conduct developed with scientific experts and agreed by the Government’s Sports Ground Safety Authority, fans in stadiums will be as safe or even safer than at any other public activity currently permitted.

"This is already evident in other European leagues. Football is not the same without attending fans and the football economy is unsustainable without them. Last season, Premier League clubs suffered £700m in losses and at present, our national game is losing more than £100m per month.

"This is starting to have a devastating impact on clubs and their communities. We are confident that Premier League clubs, using innovative ways to get supporters safely back into grounds, will enable revenues to return to all levels of the game, as well as maintain solidarity arrangements, current tax contributions and financial support for local and national economies.

"While there is a current pause in a date for fans returning to sports venues, the Premier League and our clubs will not slow down in our preparations for providing safe, bio-secure environments. We will continue to work with Government to bring supporters safely back into grounds as soon as possible.

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