Police want Merseyside derby switched to neutral venues over fears that fans could congregate outside stadium
| ||||||
Police have set out the Premier League matches they would like to be played at neutral venues, which would include any Liverpool game where the title could be won.
The matches which have been requested to take place at neutral grounds are:
Manchester City v Liverpool
Manchester City v Newcastle
Manchester United v Sheffield United
Newcastle v Liverpool
Everton v Liverpool
Liverpool's title-winning game
Deputy chief constable Mark Roberts of South Yorkshire Police, the UK’s football policing lead, said in a statement: “Our discussions with the Premier League throughout this process have been positive, with a shared focus on the priority of public health. As such we have reached a consensus that balances the needs of football, while also minimising the demand on policing.
"The majority of remaining matches will be played at home and away as scheduled, with a small number of fixtures taking place at neutral venues, which, contrary to some reports, have yet to be agreed. The views and agreement of forces which host Premier League clubs have been sought and where there were concerns, the Premier League has been supportive in providing flexibility in arranging alternative venues where requested.
"This plan will be kept continually under review to ensure public health and safety and a key part of this is for supporters to continue to respect the social-distancing guidelines and not to attend or gather outside the stadiums."
There have been reports that the Merseyside derby will be switched to Manchester but the Daily Mail have rubbished such claims insisting it has not yet been decided where neutral games will be staged.