The penultimate round of Premier League matches in the 2020/21 promotion has been postponed to give fans the opportunity to take part in one of the club’s home matches this season.
Match day 37 had been scheduled to take place over the weekend before restrictions were further eased on 17 May.
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Fans will return to the Premier League football stadiums this season Pool / Getty Images
The government’s current roadmap means that from 17 May, up to 10,000 fans will be able to participate in football matches, with only the last round of matches falling after the said date. There was a concern that some sides could get an unfair advantage if their last match of the season was played in front of their fans.
The PA news agency understands that this issue has now been resolved with the Premier League moving the penultimate round to either 18 or 19 May so all 20 top flight teams will be able to play a match in front of their own supporters.
The report adds that the Premier League has informed all 20 clubs about the change, but no concrete plans will be made until broadcasting arrangements are in place.
The Carabao Cup final between Tottenham and Manchester City is used as a pilot for the return of fans, with 8,000 spectators expected to be present at the show event on April 25.
Old Trafford could see 10,000 fans return later this season Michael Regan / Getty Images
One issue that has been raised is whether fans will need to prove negative COVID-19 tests before entering venues, and the league’s executive director Bill Bush told the BBC Radio Fours Today program recently that this is a likely scenario.
“The alternative [to certification] is not freedom, “he said. The alternative is social distancing, small crowds, large restrictions on people’s movement and ability to eat, drink, travel. Away fans banned for example.
“So to end these restrictions on freedom, we think something like that is an acceptable burden to give fans the freedom to participate.”
