Fans returned to a Premier League stadium on Saturday for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic affected the sport in March.
Brighton & Hove Albion's home match against Chelsea, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was the latest in a series of Government-approved live sporting events to be trialled in front of spectators as steps are taken to safely welcome fans back into stadiums.
The supporters, from the club’s loyalty programme, adhered to Government guidelines, such as using socially distanced seating, undergoing temperature checks and wearing masks when going into or around the stadium.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “Brighton & Hove Albion did a fantastic job at their test event for the return of supporters and it was great to see fans in a Premier League stadium for the first time since March.
“The success of having 2,500 supporters in the Amex was very encouraging and we are committed to having full stadia as soon as possible, with safety always our priority. We are working hard alongside our clubs, the Government and the safety authorities to achieve this.”
🔎 A closer look at safety measures in place as @OfficialBHAFC welcomed 🔙 fans for their friendly against Chelsea today pic.twitter.com/PwNdSiv702
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 29, 2020
Brighton & Hove Albion Chief Executive Paul Barber said: “We are delighted – it went as well as it possibly could have. Credit to our fans - they followed the guidelines, listened to requests from our stewards and, even at the end, when they stayed on to listen to the managers’ pitchside interviews on our stadium screens, they remained in their seats and observed social distancing.”
Seagulls head coach Graham Potter added: “I thought it was a fantastic day – a small step to getting back to normal as soon as we can safely do so. It was so nice to see fans here because, as we know, it brings a completely different dynamic to the stadium and I thought they made a lot of noise and really got involved in the game. Hopefully they enjoyed the performance as well.
“I think people at the club deserve a lot of credit for the work that has gone in and hopefully it was the first successful step to a return to normal at some stage in the future.”
High-tech solutions
Today the Government announced the formation of the Sport Tech Innovation Group, which will include the Premier League and other sporting bodies to explore high-tech solutions to allow more fans to go to stadiums.
Masters said: “The Premier League is very pleased to be involved in the Sport Tech Innovation Group announced by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden today.
"We know, through the success of delivering Project Restart last season, that Premier League clubs can provide safe environments and we are looking forward to welcoming back supporters to all our grounds as quickly as possible.”
Secretary of State Dowden said this weekend marked “an important milestone” in the recovery of sport. “I am doing everything I can to get fans back in the stands, following the teams and enjoying the sports they love,” he said. “Sport’s economic health depends on their return to stadiums, too.
“I commend the clubs, players, stewards, emergency services and everyone else for their hard work to get us this far.
“We have blown the starting whistle on fans returning safely, but our work is not done until every fan is back where they belong.”
Fans adapting
Martyn Henderson, Chief Executive of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority, added: “It’s fantastic to see fans return to watch football. Bringing fans back into grounds while maintaining social distancing will bring new challenges. It’s great to see fans adapt to the new circumstances.
“Our purpose is, and always will be, ensuring fans can watch live sport safely. We are delighted that our guidance provides sports grounds with the knowledge and support they need to plan for the safe return of fans with confidence.”