Coming to a cinema screen near you… it’s Chelsea v Crystal Palace! Premier League clash one of several to be shown on the big screen this weekend with supporters not able to attend games in person
- Several Premier League fixtures are to be screened at the cinema this weekend
- Vue will show Chelsea vs Crystal Palace followed by Everton against Brighton
- Socially-distanced seating will be in place and viewers will also wear face masks
- The broadcasting of football inside a cinema will infuriate Premier League clubs
Supporters of Premier League clubs cannot attend matches in stadiums due to Government restrictions – but will be able to watch their teams perform within the confines of cinemas this weekend.
Vue Cinemas will be showing Chelsea’s clash with Crystal Palace followed by Everton against Brighton in theatres across the country, having agreed a deal with BT Sport.
For Saturday’s 12.30pm kick off at Stamford Bridge, Vue describes the ‘cast’ as ‘The Blues’ and ‘The Eagles’, while also listing referee Michael Oliver as ‘director’.
Football fans can watch games in cinemas this weekend with Chelsea v Crystal Palace first up
With a 12A film classification, they add: ‘Chelsea are well-suited to the big screen: they’ve invested heavily in a cast of superstars but you can never be quite sure how the storyline will unfold.’
Vue say ‘physically distanced seating’ is in place, viewers must wear face masks unless eating or drinking, and every screen is disinfected between screenings. Shouting and chanting is not allowed.
Three venues in London will be showing the derby between Chelsea against Palace – in Leicester Square, Shepherd’s Bush and Stratford, with each charging £6.99 per person.
Vue Cinemas will screen top-flight games after agreeing a deal with broadcasters BT Sport
Referee Michael Oliver was jokingly labelled as the ‘director’ for Chelsea’s clash on Saturday
But fans of Everton and Brighton will have to travel, with the only venues listed as broadcasting that match in Bristol, Cheshire, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, Manchester and Portsmouth.
Vue are also showing Sunday’s midday clash between Leicester and West Ham.
The broadcasting of football inside a cinema will infuriate Premier League clubs, who have condemned the Government for not allowing supporters to return to the stands.