LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 07: Fans make their way to the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on March 07, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Arsenal preparing for matches behind closed doors

Apr 24, 2020

Arsenal are now preparing to play the remainder of their Premier League matches behind closed doors, despite their official stance.

General view of the match ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on March 07, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. — LONDON, ENGLAND: General view of the match ball on March 07, 2020. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)

It’s not exactly a surprise to hear that the Premier League might conclude behind closed doors. We’ve known for a while that suddenly allowing thousands of people to congregate a few times a week isn’t going to be safe for months yet.

Arsenal’s official line remains that ‘tickets held for postponed matches will be valid once these matches are re-arranged’. However, it appears they’re now preparing to play those re-arranged matches without supporters.

Arsenal Fixture News report that the club are gearing up to play the remainder of their home matches behind closed doors. Once the Government gives the Premier League the green light, matches will need to start and finish by mid-August.

The Champions League final will take place on August 29th, so that’s now the cut-off point.

Arsenal Fixture News have a good record on fixture matters, regularly reporting on rearranged matches and such before the stories hit the mainstream media.

We’ll still have to wait for more official confirmation, but this does seem like the most likely outcome now. For the record, Arsenal are planning to offer a credit or a refund for those who already bought tickets.