The final two matches of the English Premier league 2020/21 season will be limited to home fans. The move is however subject to the Government easing lockdown restrictions in the United Kingdom.
Fans are expected to be able to return to stadiums from 17 May in a reduced capacity, pending the final Government decision on planned Step 3 conditions, which will be announced no later than 10 May.
The Premier League last week confirmed fixtures have been rescheduled to provide an opportunity for each club to host one home match with supporters before the end of the season.
Matchweek 37 will now be played on 18-19 May, with the final matches of the season kicking off at 18:00 BST on Sunday 23 May 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.
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.
The last time a premier league game was played in front of a capacity crowd was Leicester’s win over Aston Villa at the King Power stadium on March 9, 2020.
The league was postponed shortly afterwards and did not return until June’s Project Restart, with all games behind closed doors.
Restrictions were briefly eased in certain areas of the country in December, meaning some clubs were allowed to play in front of 2,000 socially distanced supporters.
However, another surge in cases saw the country placed in full lockdown again and fans locked out of grounds once more. The 2020/21 League Cup final pitting Manchester City versus Tottenham on April 25 was however played in front of 8,000 fans a move that was considered a success.