Premier League agrees matchday protocols ahead of June 17 restart
Premier League matchday protocols on player health and safety has been unanimously approved by all 20 clubs, clearing the final hurdle ahead of the season resuming on June 17.
The protocols for the third stage of Project Restart – following socially-distanced training and full contact training – were agreed at the latest league’s shareholders’ meeting on Thursday.
They cover every aspect of on-pitch conduct and operations within stadia, with a strictly limited number of personnel permitted inside and outside the venue.
Total numbers at grounds on match day, including broadcast staff, written media, commentators, doping officials, and scouts, are set to total of 300.
The Premier League has wanted to cut essential staff present at grounds on match day to just 37 ‘Red Zone’ pass holders per team, including 20 players, 12 coaching and medical staff and a further five ‘”essential staff”.
The season – suspended since March 13 – is due to restart next Wednesday, with Aston Villa hosting Sheffield United and Arsenal’s visit to face reigning champions Manchester City, with both games to be shown live exclusively on Sky Sports.
As it stands the only game which could be played at a neutral venue in the first three full rounds of fixtures is Manchester City’s match against league leaders Liverpool on July 2.
Manchester City Council’s safety advisory group must meet to make a decision regarding that fixture.
On Wednesday, Liverpool City Council’s Ground Safety Advisory Group gave the go-ahead for Goodison Park and Anfield to stage matches for the remainder of the 2019-2020 season.
Ayooluwa Joshua