YEP 5/7/21 Premier League makes safety vow as Leeds United fans await 'Big Bang' Freedom Day and Elland Road capacity return
THE Premier League have released a statement following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's unveiling of plans for sporting stadiums to return to full capacity.
By Lee Sobot
Johnson has outlined the Government's latest plans to
"restore people's freedoms" in England ahead of the final stage of
lockdown easing on July 19.
Setting out a five-point plan at a Monday evening press
conference, Johnson said he planned to lift the limits of the number of people
attending sports venues which would provide the green light for Elland Road to
be full for United's first home game of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign.
Leeds will begin their second season back in the Premier
League with a clash at arch rivals Manchester United on Saturday, August 14,
after which the Whites will take on Everton at Elland Road the following
weekend on Saturday, August 21.
Elland Road has not been full since United's Championship
clash at home to Huddersfield Town back in March 2020, after which the country
was locked down due to the global fight against coronavirus.
A final decision on whether to lift the remaining
restrictions in England on July 19 will be taken next Monday, but the intention
for Step 4 of the roadmap and beyond is for stadiums to operate at full
capacity from that date which is being billed as 'Big Bang' Freedom Day.
There would also be no more legal requirement on wearing
face masks in shops or on public transport and no more limits on social
contact.
'Vaccine passports' would not be compulsory for entry and
the Premier League has welcomed Johnson's latest plans.
A statement released by the Premier League on Monday evening
read: "Fans have been hugely missed so we welcome today's announcement by
the Government, and are looking forward to full stadiums in the 2021/22 season.
"As we move towards a Government decision on Step 4 of
the roadmap and beyond, we will continue to work with football stakeholders and
relevant public authorities to ensure that the return to full capacity is done
in a way that keeps everyone safe."