EPL kicks as UK suspends fans’ stadium return

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed plans for fans to return to watch live sport events in England from October 1 will not go ahead but the autorities at the Premier League are frowning on the announcement.

The plans were placed under review after a rise in coronavirus cases.

The UK’s Covid-19 alert level has moved to four, meaning transmission is “high or rising exponentially”.

“We have to acknowledge the spread of the virus is now affecting our ability to reopen large sporting events,” said the prime minister.

In an address to the Commons on Tuesday, he announced new restrictions for the country and those included the halting of the phased return of fans.

“We will not be able to do this from October 1 and I recognise the implications for our sports clubs, which are the life and soul of our communities,” he added.

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Meanwhile, the Premier League has issued a statement expressing its disappointment with the Government’s decision.

The Premier League’s statement read: ‘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.

‘The Premier League notes the Government’s announcement today and while the health of the nation must remain everyone’s priority, we are disappointed that the safe return of supporters to matches has been postponed.