Police fear crowds will gather at stadiums when Premier League resumes

iStock [illustration]

Ensuring Premier League games are held in empty stadiums could prove to be challenging.

That's the word from the chief of Greater Manchester Police, who claims fans will still crowd the stadiums despite the call to follow COVID-19 restrictions. 

"Liverpool coming to Manchester City I have no doubt would attract crowds whether they're allowed in the ground or not. It needs very careful thinking through," Chief Constable Ian Hopkins told reporters.

"What we're fearful of is that people will turn up either at neutral grounds or at home grounds, and some of that could be particularly problematic."

Clubs have held discussions on how to complete the campaign, with the government saying elite sport could return after June 1.

More from Sports News

  • Williams to face Australia's Joint in Wimbledon comeback

    American great Serena Williams will face Australian 20-year-old Maya Joint in the first round of her eagerly awaited return to Wimbledon, a potentially tricky tie for the seven-time champion playing at the tournament for the first time since 2022.

  • Australia reach World Cup knockouts, Turkey beat USA

    Australia booked their spot in the knockout rounds of the World Cup on Thursday after a cagey draw against Paraguay, who are set to qualify as a third-placed finisher, while Turkey beat USA 3-2, scoring the winner with virtually the last kick of the match.

  • Netherlands win Group F, Japan and Sweden also through

    The Netherlands scored two goals in the first seven minutes of the first half en route to a 3-1 victory over Tunisia on Thursday night in Kansas City in Group F, while Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in Texas.

  • Beccacece hails Ecuador's biggest World Cup victory

    Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece said all Ecuadoreans have a lot to celebrate on Thursday after the country's biggest World Cup result ever, coming from behind to beat Germany 2-1 and advance to the knockout stage.

  • New Zealand openers break record against England

    New Zealand took control of the third Test at Trent Bridge with Tom Latham and Devon Conway setting a record partnership for the Kiwis against England on Thursday.

Coming Up