EPL To Allow Fans’ Return To Stadiums For Final Fixtures

Oyinlola Awonuga
Writer
EPL To Allow Fans' Return To Stadiums For Final Fixtures

Ad

An Unusual View Of Banditry, By Azu Ishiekwene

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, is hardly in the news. Lawal has enough on his plate in a region struggling with banditry and insurgency, and in a state whose political heavyweights oppose him over political differences. He has learned to mind the state’s business, hardly ever throwing stones except when attacked by Abuja politicians who…

FBI Release Information About Suspects Linked to Murder of Charlie Kirk

FBI receives more than 130 tips Officials have received more than 130 tips, as of this morning. "I assure you that all leads and tips are being fully investigated," said Robert Bohls, special agent in charge of the FBI's Salt Lake City field office. He asked that anyone with video or images from the shooting…

Jubilation as Abuja court jails Ansaru leader Mahmud Usman 15 years for terrorism

By Obinna Uballa A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Mahmud Usman, a top commander of the proscribed Ansaru sect, to 15 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges. Usman, widely known by his aliases Abu Bara’a, Abbas, and Mukhtar, admitted to engaging in illegal mining and funnelling the proceeds into…

Ad

Football fans are set to return to stadia in the United Kingdom for the final two fixtures in the ongoing 2020-21 Premier League season later in May.

According to reports, the move is subject to the UK government’s easing of lockdown restrictions.

Under the UK government’s move to come out of lockdown, crowds of up to 10,000 or 25 per cent of capacity will be permitted from May 17.

Due to the development, the Premier League has tweaked its fixtures to ensure that each of the 20 teams get the opportunity to host at least one home game with the crowd.

Notably, the UK has inoculated 34 million people with their first vaccine dose with case numbers and hospitalisations from the COVID-19 falling rapidly.

The entire 2020-21 English season has been played in front of empty stands barring a mini-experiment with maximum crowds of 4,000 in areas with low COVID-19 cases in December.

“The Premier League has today confirmed that the final two Matchweeks of the 2020/21 season will be limited to home fans, subject to the Government easing lockdown restrictions in the United Kingdom,” the Premier League said in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement reads:”Matchweek 37 will now be played on 18-19 May, with the final matches of the season kicking off at 16:00 BST (1500GMT) on Sunday 23 May as planned.”

However, no away fans will be allowed to ease operational challenges. However, the top-flight clubs are expecting return of full stadiums from the start of next season.

“Fans have been greatly missed at Premier League matches and this marks a key step towards full stadiums, including away fans, from the start of the 2021/22 season,” added the statement.

Leicester’s FA Cup semi-final win against Southampton hosted 4,000 fans at Wembley in April whereas 8,000 fans saw Manchester City lift the Carabao Cup on April 24.

A crowd of 21,000 will see the FA Cup final between Leicester and Chelsea on May 15.

Also, Wembley is set to host eight matches at Euro 2020 with at least 25 percent capacity.

Ad

Unlocking Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during UNGA80
X whatsapp