EXCLUSIVE: No away fans for final two Premier League matches of the season – but each team WILL be able to play a home game in front of a crowd after ties were shifted to meet Government requirements
The Premier League has shifted its calendar to allow each club to play in front of its own supporters – but no away fans will be admitted.
Officials have now confirmed to clubs that the schedule will be readjusted so every team can play a home fixture in front of a crowd before the end of the campaign.
The competition had also wanted travelling supporters present at the final two rounds of matches.
However, as Sportsmail revealed, the proposal left some of its sides up in arms amid concerns over social distancing and travelling during the pandemic.
And this morning clubs have been told that the idea will not be pursued.
As expected, midweek round 36 matches scheduled for 11/12 May will be put back to the weekend of May 15/16. Round 37 matches will now take place on 18/19 May, which pushes them beyond the May 17 date set for the allowing of the return of fans in limited numbers. The final matches of the season remain on Sunday, May 23.
Gates will be limited at either 10,000 or 25 per cent of stadium capacity – whichever is lower and subject to the government giving the green light which is expected no later than May 10.
Matches displaced by the FA Cup Final (May 15) will be moved to May 11/12.
The top flight say that the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport have confirmed they have no plans to revise the ‘no way fans’ element of their guidance. Police have asked when travelling fans are expected to be allowed to return but a decision is not expected before the end of the current season.
The aspiration remains for a return to full capacities in August.