MANCHESTER’S top cop has poured cold water on the Premier League bid to play at home grounds.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, who would be in charge of policing at Old Trafford and the Etihad, even suggested he was unconvinced by the plan to play out the season at neutral stadiums.
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Manchester’s top cop Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has poured cold water on the Premier League bid to play at home groundsCredit: AFP
He would be in charge of policing at Old Trafford and the Etihad but is unconvinced by the plan to play out the season at neutral stadiumsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
SunSport revealed yesterday how Prem bosses were facing an uphill task to persuade Britain’s top football cop, South Yorkshire’s Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts, to reverse his demand for neutral venues.
And now his position has been underpinned by Hopkins, in charge of the country’s second largest metropolitan area as well as Mayor Andy Burnham.
Liverpool visit to arch-rivals Manchester City would be scheduled for the third set of fixtures after resumption and Chf Con Hopkins said: “What we’re fearful of is that people will turn up, either at neutral or home grounds, which would be problematic.
“I have no doubt the City v Liverpool match will attract crowds, whether they’re allowed in the grounds or not.
“It needs very, very careful thinking through. We have to get to a point where it can be done safely.”
While Prem chiefs appear to have received backing from the government over their proposal, the ultimate decision will be taken by the respective ground safety authorities, in liaison with local police forces.
Roberts and other senior officers are demanding “watertight” guarantees that there would be no additional strain on police or emergency resources if games were played in home venues.
That would especially apply in those stadiums in urban areas where congregating fans would bring an increased coronavirus risk.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan suggested on Tuesday that it was premature to think about playing in home venues in the capital.
And now Burnham has added to the political equation as he backed up the Chief Constable.
Burnham said: “You have to take on board the concerns of the players. Restarting football should not be dictated by TV or by money. The chief’s own comments would argue against any restart.
“People will have been struck by Raheem Sterling in the last 24 hours, saying he doesn’t feel particularly safe, having lost people who are particularly close to him.
“Pep Guardiola lost his mum. You have to take on board the concerns of the players. Their views should be taken as priority when it comes to any restart.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
