Premier League confirm no away fans as teams prepare to open stadiums again
The Premier League have confirmed that the final two matchdays of the 2020-21 season will see fans return to stadiums but only home supporters for each game are allowed to attend.
The British government is expected to announce new guidelines for easing coronavirus restrictions on May 17 that will include the permitted return of spectators to sporting events after successful pilot events.
Limited capacity crowds were allowed to attend fixtures such as the Carabao Cup final, the FA Cup semi-final between Leicester and Southampton as well as the World Snooker Championships at the Crucible in Sheffield.
With this information, the Premier League has rescheduled the penultimate match day for May 18-19 to allow all 20 clubs to host at least one match before the end of the season.
All games on the final day of May 23 will kick-off at 16:00 as planned.
"Following consultation with clubs, it was agreed matches would not be open to away supporters due to varying operational challenges across the League and the need to deliver a consistent approach, while maximising the opportunity for home-fan attendance," read a Premier League statement.
"The safety and security of supporters is of paramount importance. Clubs have a proven track record of providing COVID-safe environments and have operational plans in place ready to safely welcome supporters back to their stadiums."
It will be the first time since December 2020 where fans will be allowed at Premier League games.
But only clubs in Liverpool, London and the south coast welcomed supporters as part of a tiered restriction system before the country went back into lockdown after a rise in coronavirus cases over Christmas.
Manchester City are set to be crowned Premier League champions and will have the prospect of celebrating with fans at their final home game against Everton on May 23.
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