Premier League outlines strict plans for fans’ return, including no drinking or singing

From December 2, a maximum of 4,000 fans can attend outdoor sporting events in the lowest-risk areas of England

The Premier League has outlined a series of rules ahead of the proposed return of fans to football stadiums, with a ban on singing, shouting and drinking alcohol among them. It follows the announcement by the government that a maximum of 4,000 supporters will be allowed to attend outdoor sporting events from the end of lockdown in England. In tier 2 areas, 2,000 fans will be allowed at matches. Tier 3 areas, such as Liverpool, will not see a return of fans until cases decrease. According to Mail Sport, the Premier League has contacted clubs with a strict set of guidelines surrounding the return of fans, which has been called the Covid Code of Conduct. Under the new guidelines, supporters will be required to agree to the terms before purchasing a ticket, with staggered arrival and departure times to be implemented, as well as mandatory face masks. Football clubs in England have long lobbied the government to allow the return of supporters to open air stadiums, with the gap left in club finances from gate receipts leaving many requiring financial support. It remains to be seen how clubs go about implementing the new measures, with just over a week until England returns to a tiered, post-lockdown system.