Why Sheffield United COULD return to Bramall Lane when Premier League restarts despite initial 'neutral venues' plan
Sheffield United could yet complete half of their remaining matches at Bramall Lane after as many as 12 Premier League clubs expressed doubts over the plan to complete the season using neutral venues.
The use of 10 grounds to host the 92 remaining games was floated as the Premier League looks for a way to complete the current campaign in the light of the coronavirus crisis. No professional sport will be allowed until June 1, but the Government has told associations to prepare for matches to be played behind-closed-doors after that point if certain conditions are met.
At the latest Premier League video meeting today, over half the 20 Premier League clubs voiced their opposition to the neutral grounds plan and asked the league to consult the Government over getting permission to play the remaining games home and away.
The Times reported that officials have kept an open mind about the neutral venues plan, which Britain’s senior football police officer, Mark Roberts, insisted is necessary. A final vote over 'Project Restart' is expected next week.
The Star understands that United had sympathy towards the plan of neutral venues, although it is initially unclear if their stance changed during the meeting.
Chris Wilder's Blades were seventh when football was suspended in March, in a bid to slow the spread of Covid-19. They trailed Manchester United in fifth, which could be the last Champions League place after Manchester City's two-year UEFA ban, by just two points, and had a game in hand over Ole Gunnar Solskjær's men.