The 2019/20 Premier League season resumed behind closed doors on Wednesday 17 June, after 100 days away. To encourage fans to enjoy its return from the safety of their own homes, a video celebrates some of the ways supporters around the world will be cheering on their Premier League teams from home.
Fans are encouraged to "Support your club, stay safe, follow at home".
Among the supporters featured in the video are health and key workers, who have worked tirelessly throughout the crisis, as well as fans who have been taking part in the clubs' community programmes during the pandemic.
"I am delighted we are resuming the 2019/20 season tonight," said Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters ahead of Aston Villa's opening match at home to Sheffield United.
"The best thing supporters can do is enjoy the action in their own homes."
"We have taken it step by step, working with the Government, our clubs, the players and managers and many other organisations to ensure we are starting at the right time.
"There has been a lot of hard work to get to this point, but the real prize will be finishing the season.
"Of course, it will be an unusual experience not having fans in the stadiums.
"The Premier League won’t be fully 'back' until fans can return, but we all know that is not possible at this time, so the best thing supporters can do is enjoy the action in their own homes – watching on television, listening on the radio or following on social media."
The action returns
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As well as Villa's 0-0 draw with Sheff Utd, the first day's action also featured Manchester City earning a 3-0 victory against Arsenal, ahead of a full Matchweek running from Friday 19 June to Monday 22 June.
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All these 12 matches in the opening Matchweek will be preceded by a moment’s silence in recognition of those who have been affected by COVID-19.
The League also supports the players’ wish to have their names replaced by "Black Lives Matter" on the back of their shirts for these matches.
A "Black Lives Matter" logo will also feature on shirt sleeves for the rest of the season, along with a badge thanking the National Health Service for their work during the COVID-19 crisis.
