EPL: Liverpool could seal title at neutral ground

A deserted Anfield, home of Liverpool Football Club. Liverpool are number one on the English Premier League table with a 25-point lead. The country continued quarantine measures intended to curb the spread of Covid-19, but the infection rate is falling, and government officials are discussing the terms under which it would ease the lockdown. Photo: CliveBrunskill/Getty

The game in which Liverpool could secure the Premier League title could be held at a neutral venue, says the national lead for football policing.


Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts says up to six matches could be moved at the request of local police forces.

They include the Merseyside derby as well as Manchester City v Liverpool.

Roberts said discussions with the Premier League had been "positive" with a "shared focus on the priority of public health".

The Premier League is set to restart on 17 June, subject to government approval.

The fixtures set to be moved to neutral venues are:

• Manchester City v Liverpool

• Manchester City v Newcastle

• Manchester United v Sheffield United

• Newcastle v Liverpool

• Everton v Liverpool

• The game in which Liverpool could secure the title

"We have reached a consensus that balances the needs of football, while also minimising the demand on policing," said Roberts.

"The majority of remaining matches will be played, at home and away as scheduled, with a small number of fixtures taking place at neutral venues.

"This plan will be kept continually under review to ensure public health and safety and a key part of this is for supporters to continue to respect the social distancing guidelines.

The Premier League said its "ambition is to complete all of our remaining fixtures this season home and away, where possible".
BBCSport