Premier League will bring back tunnel interviews in designated ‘purple zones’

The Premier League are set to reintroduce tunnel interviews in a new ‘purple’ zone at top-flight stadiums.

Since football returned during Project Restart all pre and post match interviews have been held pitchside to ensure stringent social distancing measures.

But broadcasters are hoping to be given the green light to hold customary interviews in the tunnel areas of stadiums.

Provided there is not a sudden surge for Covid cases, the plans to allow broadcasters back in stadiums should be ratified in October.

The pitchside interviews were strewn with difficulties during the opening weekend of the season due to the background noise as a result of the return of full crowds.

Manchester United goalscorer Mason Greenwood had difficulty hearing the questions and viewers could not hear his answer after BT Sport’s lunchtime coverage of the win over Leeds.

Following Project Restart all players and managers had conducted interviews at pitchside

There are also concerns that fans could remain in stadiums and insult interviewees after games – and the return of tunnel interviews will help avoid any embarrassing situations That has led to the Premier League drawing up plans for a purple zone in the tunnel and media rooms for broadcasters which will allow interviews to be conducted away from the pitch.

The red zones have long been established as areas specifically reserved for the players, officials and coaching staff.

There is also amber zones but the new purple zone is move back to normality.