Premier League restart plan faces opposition as Newcastle United players prepare to return

Brighton and Hove Albion have voiced opposition to Premier League plans to play games at neutral venues.
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The Premier League, suspended since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, could restart next month, and eight stadiums have reportedly been earmarked as neutral venues for games. Limiting games to a handful of stadiums is seen to be the best way of ensuring that the remaining fixtures are played safely.

However, Paul Barber, chief executive of relegation-threatened Brighton, said: “We fully appreciate why playing behind closed doors is very likely to be a necessary compromise. But, at this critical point in the season, playing matches in neutral venues has potential to have a material effect on the integrity of the competition.

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“The disadvantages of us not playing the league’s top teams in our home stadium, even with 27,000 Albion fans very unlikely to be present, are very obvious.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle United’s players could return to the training ground late next week.