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England enthusiasts returned to the stands for the first time since March, when 2500 enthusiasts were able to enter Amex Stadium on Saturday for Brighton’s friendly Chelsea.
Both groups drew 1-1 in the preseason game, while Timo Werner opened his score for the Blues before Pascal Gross tied with a penalty.
Amex enthusiasts were seated in a way that complied with social estrangement protocol and were required to wear a mask at all times, when they were in their seats.
It’s a small step towards normalcy after football stopped around the world in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Premier League, along with several other European leagues, returned to the court in June but played all matches behind closed doors.
Saturday’s match at Amex is part of a government test as the UK explores a slow re-introduction of enthusiasts ahead of the 2020–21 season, which begins next month.
Brighton’s head coach Graham Potter has been driven through his club’s supporters, even on a limited basis.
“I think it was one day, a small step towards the general as soon as we can do it safely,” Potter said in quotes posted on Brighton’s official website.
“It was great to see the enthusiasts here because, as we know, it brings an absolutely different dynamic to the stadium and I think they were making a lot of noise and were worried about the game. I hope you enjoyed the performance, too.
“I think the rest of the people at the club deserve a lot of credit for the paintings that have been made and I hope this will be the first successful step to get back to normal at some point in the future.
Saturday’s Community Shield between Arsenal and Liverpool was played behind closed doors at Wembley, but the Gunners are exploring a plan to allow fans back at the Emirates Stadium in October.
In an email to supporters, Arsenal said: “We continue to work hard with the Premier League and the British government on plans to bring enthusiasts back to the stadiums, first with reduced capacity.
“We are disappointed that our home game opposed to West Ham United on Saturday 19 September will be played behind closed doors, but based on existing government guidelines, we look forward to welcoming enthusiasts to Emirates Stadium for the Sheffield Fit United scheduled for Saturday. October 3rd.”