Government hopes fans can return to stadiums next season, says DCMS secretary Oliver Dowden

Minister for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport urged fans not to gather around stadiums as the Premier League returns

Oliver Dowden, minister for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (PA)

The government minister for sport, Oliver Dowden, hopes football fans can return to stadiums for the start of next season but said it would only be possible when safe to do so.

The Premier League returned to television screens on Wednesday, with Aston Villa hosting Sheffield United behind closed doors.

Supporters will not be allowed into stadiums until at least the end of the current season, but the Minister for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport offered hope that might change before the start of the the 2020-21 season, which is currently scheduled for 8 August but is likely to be pushed back to allow time for a break between the two campaigns.

Dowden said: “I would really hope that by the return of the new season we might be in a position whereby some fans could start to return to stadiums. And I know that would be another important part of restoring the financial position of clubs.”

He also urged supporters to avoid gathering around stadiums in the meantime, saying: “Look after your fellow fans and your communities by watching from home.” He added there is nothing to be gained by congregating around grounds, and that police have been given appropriate powers to intervene.