Premier League chief executive addresses opposition to plan

There are plans to restart the league, suspended in March due to the coronavirus pandemic, next month with Government backing. Matches would be played behind closed doors at neutral venues, though this plan is facing opposition from clubs fighting relegation.

Masters said: “I think everybody would prefer to play home and away if at all possible. And I think it's clear to see that some clubs feel more strongly about that than others. It’s an ongoing dialogue, and obviously we've been talking to the authorities about the conditions in which we could get the Premier League back up and running and taking all that advice on board.

“But it’s an ongoing dialogue. We’re in contact with the authorities while also representing club views in those discussions.”

Newcastle United have nine games left to play.