Premier League confirms neutral venue stance as discussions remain ongoing

The Premier League does not want to use neutral venues but the decision could be taken out of their hands

The Premier League hopes the number of matches which could be played at neutral venues this season would be ‘low’, chief executive Richard Masters has confirmed.

The top-flight is due to resume in the coming weeks after being postponed for more than three months due to the coronavirus crisis.

Reports have suggested that some ‘key fixtures’, such as derbies or games involving sides in relegation battles, could be played away from their originally intended grounds at neutral venues.

This is due to authorities being concerned that supporters may congregate outside these matches, which would present a danger due to the current situation brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

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And speaking to Sky Sports, Premier League chief executive Masters said the preferences is for matches to be played home and away as they have originally been planned.

However, if in the event of games being played a neutral ground, he hopes the number would be ‘low’, but that discussions with the police and relevant authorities are ‘going well’.

Masters expects there to be more clarity on this issue within the next fortnight.

“Obviously it is our preference to play the games as they were originally planned, home and away,” he said.

“We’re in discussions with the authorities, there are some concerns, and we are working through that. I think in the next 7-10 days we will have a clearer picture about whether any of our fixtures are going to have to be played at neutral venues. We hope that the number is going to be low. It is an ongoing discussion.

“The specific matches that we are talking about need to remain a part of those conversations.

“We’re all dealing with this situation, they (the police and relevant authorities) have legitimate concerns, we’re able to represent club views and our own views in those discussions fairly and reasonably, and we think we can help to mitigate some of those issues.”

Asked if it would be fair if some clubs had to play in neutral venues, Masters added: “That’s what we’re discussing. Ultimately, we want the season to be played out on the pitch and we’re discussing a number of mitigating factors across the whole model, trying to keep it as fair as we possibly can do.”

In an additional statement, the Premier League has confirmed that games being played at neutral venues is among its contingency plans.

The statement reads: “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.”