The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boron Johnson has announced that sports venues in the country would start hosting spectators from Monday, May 17, 2021.
Recall that since mid-March 2020, sports venues in the UK are not allowed to host spectators to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus. The restriction lasted until December 2020 when some sports venues were allowed to host a limited number of spectators.
However, the permission did not last long before the government decided to prevent all sports venues from hosting spectators again due to the increasing number of coronavirus infections.
Based on the government’s plan to eradicate the pandemic, the UK Prime Minister announced during a press conference that sports venues would be allowed to host a limited number of spectators from May 17.
“We’ll unlock the turnstiles of our sports stadia subject to capacity limits,” the UK Prime Minister said.
This means that very large outdoor sports venues could be allowed to host about 10,000 spectators per game from Monday.
This also means that the 2020-2021 Premier League season which is running to an end will be completed in the presence of spectators. Recall that most parts of the campaign were done behind closed doors. Fans only had the opportunity of watching their teams through television and streaming platforms.
Hence, Manchester City are most likely to lift the 2020-2021 Premier League title in the presence of spectators.
In reaction to the announcement from the UK Prime Minister, the chief executive of the Premier League, Richard Masters said: “It will be brilliant to see fans back.
“They have been hugely missed and the Premier League has not been the same without them. Their presence will ensure a fantastic finale to the end of our season.
“Although only a small number of home fans will be at our matches next week, this is an important step in our return to normality.
“We will continue to work with the Government and other authorities as our priority is to have full vibrant stadiums – including away supporters – from the start of next season. Only then will we get back to the real Premier League.”
Sports Venues reopening in the UK, a big plus
The announcement that sports venues will start hosting spectators from May 17 could be a big advantage in the UK’s interest in hosting the final of the UEFA Champions League.
Recall that UEFA intends to change the venue of the final from Istanbul in Turkey to another country and the Wembley Stadium has been UEFA’s top option. UEFA decided to change the venue of the final because Turkey is on UK’s red list which means that travelers from Turkey to the UK would have to quarantine at a government-approved hotel for 10 days.
However, UEFA and UK’s government are yet to conclude on whether the Champions League final will take place at Wembley Stadium. The final is between Chelsea and Manchester City and is scheduled to take place on May 29.
At the time of publishing this report, Portugal is seen as another option where the final could be taken to because the UK government has placed Portugal on the green list which means that travelers from the UK are permitted to visit the country. Reports claimed that UEFA could announce the new venue for the final later today, May 11.
