Football could see spectators fill the stands once again, after the previous initiative to see people gather at sporting events was called off due to the rapid increase in Coronavirus cases and Britain being pushed into lockdown.
However, as confirmed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, fans could be back in the stands for the final day of the Premier League, scheduled to be held on May 23. The plans for allowing fans back into outdoor arenas will take place starting from May 17.
About 4000 people will be allowed in outdoor venues while indoors are restricted to 1000. For the bigger grounds in the country, that number can be extended to a quarter of the total capacity or 10,000 people, whichever is lower.
While this is reason to be happy, fans will have to watch the EFL Cup final from home, which is set to be held on April 25 between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. The date for the cup final comes too soon for the rules to allow spectators in the stands.
The FA Cup final, set to be held in July, could see fans return with life expected to be back to normal by that time. But the realisation of that phrase has been delayed time and time again.
All that said, it is appreciable that we will finally get to see faces in the stands. Boris Johnson’s cautious approach is also one that is the best possible solution given the current situation. Taking it slow and steady is undoubtedly the best approach to prevent another outbreak from happening and defeating the purpose of having the lockdown altogether.
