PREMIER LEAGUE clubs could use fake crowd noise if they play behind closed doors after the coronavirus suspension is lifted.
Brighton are one of several teams to have discussed playing artificial sound to help generate an atmosphere.
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Premier League clubs are exploring the use of fake noise if they have to play games behind closed doorsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Brighton chief Paul Barber revealed the Seagulls are also looking into itCredit: PA:Press Association
The Times claims top-flight sides are exploring ways to “minimise the loss of home advantage” if matches are to go ahead without any spectators at their own grounds, rather than neutral venues, which is also a possibility.
Today’s report also states clubs are looking into covering the huge amount of empty seats that would be visible to viewers.
Brighton’s chief executive, Paul Barber, said: “We’ve started to give some thought internally into, ‘Could we dress the stadium?’
“Could we make the stadium better than just blue empty seats in our case? Could we look at noise being brought into the stadium in some way, but is that really what the fans at home would want and is that what the broadcasters would want?
“Then you’ve got the operational challenges: how would it work in terms of the emergency services? The last thing we would want is to put any more pressure on them.”
He continued: “We’ve all adapted so quickly and in some ways it’s a real triumph for human beings, so I dare say we would adapt to playing behind closed doors.
“It would be strange, and football but not quite as we know it, but if that is the only way then of course we have to get on with it.”
Despite games still set to be broadcasted, some clubs are also talking about whether pre-match light and pyrotechnic shows would be suitable.
Barber would also like to use the potential spotlight to honour the heroes of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He added: “I would rather see the blue seats covered. We could put up a great message to thank the NHS of course and we can use the space we have got for good purposes, without a doubt.”
Brighton previously revealed two new unnamed players tested positive for coronavirus.
Premier League clubs are hoping to restart the season as early as June 8.
During yesterday’s two-hour meeting, club bosses were run through scenarios of how a resumption might be completed.
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The best-case scenario would see the first behind-closed-doors games take place on Monday, June 8, meaning training would resume in mid-May.
The government has warned football will not be given any special treatment and players and staff would still need to be tested before play resumes.
Stars could be forced to train under quarantine and there have even been talks of players turning up for sessions already in their kits to avoid changing rooms.
Mass testing will be made available for all players, staff and media at training grounds and stadiums as they desperately try to cram all remaining fixtures into just a six-week period.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
