Harry Diamond
The Premier League have confirmed their final restart protocols ahead of the league’s return next week with clubs having voted through the finalised set of rules.
English football’s top tier has outlined a detailed plan of what will be expected to ensure safety, though players will not have to wear face masks on the substitutes bench as seen in Germany’s Bundesliga.
Amongst the regulations, as per the Telegraph, includes the permitting of drinks breaks during games, though each player will have specifically labelled drinks bottles. Players will also be reminded of their responsibility to adhere to a series of hygiene rules, including the banning of spitting and nose-clearing, in addition to a ruling to hand sanitise when entering and leaving the field of play.
Whilst Premier League players and coaching staff will not be required to wear face masks, medics and the fourth official will wear PPE. Managers will also be reminded to keep their distance from fourth officials who, like all match officials, have been self-isolating and will be tested at least twice before games start.
Players will be led onto the pitch in a staggered formation if there is only one tunnel whilst the absence of ball boys will see a number of sterilised balls placed on top of cones around the sides of the pitch. VAR will also be used as normal.
The Premier League’s return is set to begin with Aston Villa against Sheffield United and Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal on Wednesday June 17, before a full round of fixtures the following weekend.
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