EXCLUSIVE: Premier League clubs fear it’ll be ‘impossible’ to host matches at the ‘dreaded 6pm slot’ when fans return next month – with concerns over sufficient staff numbers as many workers have other jobs during the day
- Premier League clubs will welcome back some fans at grounds in mid-May
- Clubs hosting games are worried they will be asked to schedule kick-offs at 6pm
- Crowds will be restricted to either 25 per cent of stadium capacity or 10,000, whichever is smaller
Premier League clubs have raised concerns that they will be unable to stage matches when fans return.
The competition has shifted its calendar to ensure each club gets a home game in front of supporters before the end of the season.
As Sportsmail revealed, they have moved Saturday matches on the penultimate weekend of the campaign to the following midweek, to take them beyond the May 17 date set by Government for the easing of restrictions which allows a limited number of spectators to be present.
However, clubs hosting matches are worried they will be asked to schedule kick-offs at 6pm, which has become a regular slot during the pandemic.
Premier League clubs fear they’ll be unable to stage matches at 6pm when fans return in May
They believe it would be ‘impossible’ to ensure sufficient staffing numbers, given many workers have other jobs during the day. Every match is set to be broadcast. The fixtures will be held over two days, May 18 and 19, but there is a fear that at least two matches per evening will be in what is being described as the ‘dreaded 6pm slot’.
Manchester United are known to be among those who have concerns. The club employs an army of part-time staff and it is thought it will be impossible to get them to the stadium hours before a 6pm kick-off.
Crowds will be restricted to either 25 per cent of stadium capacity or 10,000, whichever is smaller.
Manchester United have concerns about being able to staff properly their match at Old Trafford if it gets moved to a 6pm kick-off due to their employees having jobs elsewhere