Chelsea starlet Hudson-Odoi in police lockdown after rape accusation
May 19 – Chelsea and England winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has been arrested on suspicion of rape according to British press reports and confirmed by police.
Premier League
Project Restart hits speed bump with managers pushing for another week of preparation
May 14 – The resumption of the English Premier League, known as Project Restart, may have to be delayed following a managers’ meeting on Wednesday during which player welfare was discussed at length.
Players say they would rather stay home despite Premier League return-to-work protocols
By Andrew Warshaw
May 13 – No tackling, disinfected pitches, daily tests. The health protocol for English Premier League players preparing for a phased return to training has been revealed.
Premier League debates restart as FA says titles will be awarded
By Andrew Warshaw
May 12 – In a significant move that will be a massive boost to runaway leaders Liverpool and a potential blow to those at the other end of the table, the Premier League will not be declared null and void if the season cannot be completed, meaning the title will be awarded and three clubs relegated as usual.
Khashoggi murder and beoutQ piracy cast shadow over moral integrity of Newcastle sale
May 11 – The fiancee of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi has pleaded with Newcastle United and the Premier League to ensure “moral values prevail” before any takeover deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is backed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, is agreed.
Villa’s Purslow fears £200m trapdoor if play restarts without home advantage
By Andrew Warshaw
May 7 – The deepening divisions that are reported to exist over resuming the English Premier League at neutral grounds have been laid bare by the chief executive of relegation-threatened Aston Villa, Christian Purslow (pictured).
As deaths mount UK government encourages Premier League return to ‘lift spirits’
March 6 – The return of Premier League football, even behind closed doors, would “lift the spirits of the nation”, according to the country’s foreign secretary Dominic Raab.
LMA chief says Premier League can only restart at neutral venues
May 6 – The rest of the 2019-20 Premier League season could be wiped out if clubs do not agree to play at neutral venues, according to the body representing English professional football’s managers.
Muddling through? Premier League finds itself in a typically English pickle
By Andrew Warshaw
May 4 – The possibility of the English Premier League season resuming continues to be marred in uncertainty after clubs were told that only “approved neutral venues” will be used to host remaining fixtures.
Houllier says it’s Liverpool’s title, just give it to them
May 4 – Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier believes his old club should be awarded the Premier League title even if the season is not completed because of the Covid-19 crisis.
Liverpool mayor misses a beat on Merseyside with club and fans over restart
May 1 – A warning by the mayor of Liverpool that resuming the Premier League, even behind closed doors, would be a “non-starter” because fans would still turn up has prompted an immediate response by the club who are desperate to be crowned champions for the first time in the Premier League era.
Police chief sees consolidating games at stadia as an option but warns fans to stay away
April 30 – One of Britain’s most senior police officers has warned that football will be cancelled if fans attempt to congregate outside stadiums and contravene social distancing guidelines, if and when matches resume, and also suggests some games could be played at neutral venues.
Man Utd get ready Old Trafford trial for when it is safe to stand
April 30 – They might have to be 2m apart but the re-introduction of standing areas to Premier League grounds in England has taken a step closer with Manchester United confirming they have received approval from Trafford Council for a barrier seating trial to take place at Old Trafford.
‘Project Restart’ gathers pace as Spurs open up, and season looks just a spit away
April 28 – As a fourth English top-flight team, Tottenham Hotspur, opened part of their training ground for light exercises on an individual basis, plans to resume the Premier League season are being stepped up in what has been labelled ‘Project Restart’.
Liverpool postpone £60m Anfield expansion for a year
April 28 – Liverpool’s projected £60 million expansion of their Anfield Road stadium is being placed on hold for at least a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.