Premier League Clubs Takes New Stand On Away Fans

 

Premier League clubs have agreed that at least one block of away fans must be located pitch-side at every league game from next season. Details of the new rule emerged as the Premier League published a detailed report into ticket pricing and allocation involving its 20 clubs.

Clubs must allow some travelling supporters to be in a lower tier but exact locations will depend on each ground.

Premier League Executive Chairman Richard Scudamore said “Basically you won't be able to be stuck up in the third tier, out in the corner, if you're an away fan. Pitch-side is the easiest way of describing it but clearly some ground configurations (mean) there might be some gap between where the seats actually are, and there might be something else in between that and the pitch. It's about atmosphere. One of the unique things about our game, particularly in England, is the amount of away fans and the noise they create. When an away goal is scored, you want that atmosphere and interaction between the two sets of fans.”

Newly-promoted sides from the Championship next summer will be unable to prevent the rule coming into effect.