Whilst having the Premier League back is great to see, having no fans is definitely impacting the viewing. This weekend we were treated to the typical exciting and fascinating games we have been used to for so many seasons, however this time without the fans.
Just 49 days after the last season ended, a new one, more hectic, packed and intense than ever before has started.
Premier League bosses and clubs are desperate for the turnstiles to open again, each game played behind closed doors is costing millions of pounds both to the teams and local economy.
The UK Government will be looking at test events before fans can come back and already this has been muted for the start of 2021 at the earliest.
When clubs do officially get the go ahead to open and sell tickets, there will be a reduced capacity and social distancing required throughout. However the quicker we can get to this stage the better for everyone involved.
For fans who love to watch games on TV, all 28 matches in September are being shown on TV, which is unlike anything ever before.
It is important to be safe and everyone recognises that so no decisions will be rushed.
When tickets are on sale to fans, football ticket search engine Seat Compare have announced that there will be no fees on rescheduled events and cancellations from vendors.
The Premier League chief executive Richard Masters still remains confident that stadiums will be back at full capacity by the end of the 2020-21 season.
“We remain very optimistic that can be achieved, that’s our ambition and our objective and we’re doing everything we can. We’re very pleased the government has set up this new technology and innovation group to look at how sport and entertainment can provide certain mitigation to investments into health passports and additional hygiene measures.”
Aside from playing without fans the Premier League is the most exciting league in the world. The English clubs have also spent more than any other league in the world.
Chelsea are the biggest spenders out the £800 million on new signings, with them acquiring the services of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werna, Thiago Silva, Kai Havertz, and other players.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have also signed Van de Beek from Ajax and are still looking to add Jadon Sancho to the club’s summer signings.
Liverpool and Manchester City have not added any players of note, but Everton have shown their intentions by signing James Rodrigues and Allan Marques Loureiro from Napoli.
As for now, as football fans we can enjoy the new season on television and hope for a safe return for fans.