The Premier League has confirmed it has “a neutral venue contingency” after it emerged that Man Utd were ‘perplexed’ at one of their games being chosen.
Man Utd were scheduled to host Sheffield United at Old Trafford in their second game back from the Premier League’s enforced suspension.
But South Yorkshire Police named that fixture as one of at least five they wish to be played at a neutral venue to ensure social-distancing measures are adhered to while ‘minimising the demand on policing’.
It has since emerged that ‘some connected’ to Man Utd ‘are perplexed’ at that game in particular being picked.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters spoke out on the matter on Friday.
Masters anticipated a decision on neutral venues in the next seven to 10 days, and hoped the number would ultimately be “low”.
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“Ultimately what we want is the season to be played out on the pitch, and try and keep it as fair as it possibly can be,” he said.
Masters is holding out hope that supporters can return to matches at some stage during the 2020-21 season.
“There is optimism that we will see fans back in the stadiums next season and it may happen on a phased basis,” he said.
The Premier League later issued a statement which read: “The Premier League’s ambition is to complete all of our remaining fixtures this season home and away, where possible.
“We are working with our clubs to ensure risks are assessed and minimised, while co-operating with the police at a local and national level.
“Discussions with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and UK Football Policing Unit have been positive and are continuing. We are prepared for all outcomes and have a neutral venue contingency.”
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