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How clubs are welcoming fans back safely

20 May 2021
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See the measures that are in place to protect home supporters as they return to Premier League matches

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There has been drama across the Premier League during the penultimate round of matches. But just as important as the results is the fact that fans are able to enjoy the excitement in person again.

Up to 10,000 home supporters are now allowed in the stands. Here we take a look at how clubs are welcoming them back safely.

COVID protocols at PL matches

Each club provide their own Supporter Code of Conduct, to which fans must agree prior to attending a match.

This outlines the processes and behaviours fans must adopt on a matchday to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Checking code of conduct

Prior to a matchday, fans complete a health questionnaire and provide details for Track and Trace purposes. The questionnaire must be completed within 72 hours of kick-off.

Fans must not travel to the match under any circumstances if they developed COVID-19 symptoms after they have completed the health questionnaire, including on the day of the match.

Stewards are on hand to help and are fully familiar with the COVID-19 protocols.

Ticket sales

Fans are allowed into the designated Supporter Zone on a matchday. This includes the fans' seats, the concourse areas fans will use to access their seats or purchase refreshments, hospitality lounges and the toilets. 

Supporters may have their temperature taken before heading into the stadium, especially if they will be using indoor facilities such as hospitality lounges.

Entrance to the stadium's Supporter Zone will be staggered during busy periods to help maintain social-distancing.

Staggered arrival

Hand-sanitisers are available, with fans encouraged to make use of them regularly. 

Hand sanitisers

Ahead of Chelsea's home match against Leicester City on Tuesday, a steward wiped down seats before supporters arrived.

Seats wiped

Each fan is allocated a seat at a safe distance from adjacent supporters, except for families or social bubbles who have pre-booked in order to sit together. 

It is important that fans remain in their allocated seat during the match. 

Socially distanced fans at Chelsea

At Southampton, it was clear what it meant for families to be able to watch football together again.

Southampton fans family

All fans aged 11 and over must wear face coverings at all times while in the stadium, with the exception of those who have a medical exemption.

Face coverings may only be removed temporarily when eating or drinking.

Wearing a mask

The return of fans is great news for the players as well as the supporters themselves, and Chelsea's Ben Chilwell took a moment to recognise the crowd during the Blues' crucial 2-1 victory over Leicester.

Chilwell applauds crowd

Supporters can celebrate while remaining socially distanced from people outside their social bubble.

Hugging of other fans and high-fives should be avoided and fans are asked to be respectful to those around them, including avoiding excessive shouting or singing while in close proximity to others.

Brighton & Hove Albion fans certainly enjoyed Adam Webster's equaliser against champions Manchester City, and Dan Burn's winner in the 3-2 victory on the south coast.

Adam Webster celebration

Supporters may be asked to remain in their seats after the final whistle to allow for staggered departures, to avoid congestion.

More information

Clubs have made available information on what supporters need to do at their stadiums on their websites. 

Essential information, including the health questionnaire, will also be communicated to match attenders during the ticket sales process.  

See: Sports come together to celebrate the return of fans

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