Football

2,500 fans back in Premier League venue for Brighton-Chelsea

Around 2,500 fans — spaced out to abide by coronavirus social distancing — were allowed into Brighton’s stadium on the south coast of England.

AP
Brighton 29 August, 2020 22:56 IST

Fans wearing masks enter the American Express Community Stadium for the pre-season Chelsea-Brighton friendly.   -  Reuters Photo

AP
Brighton 29 August, 2020 22:56 IST

Supporters returned to a Premier League stadium for the first time since March on Saturday when Brighton drew 1-1 with Chelsea in a pre-season friendly.

Around 2,500 fans — spaced out to abide by coronavirus social distancing — were allowed into Brighton’s stadium on the south coast of England.

Read: Chelsea beats Manchester City 2-0 in women’s Community Shield  

It is one of the pilot schemes being run by the government to assess how spectators can return to sports venues on a more permanent basis during the pandemic.

New signing Timo Werner gave Chelsea the lead in the fourth minute and Pascal Groߠequalized with a 90th-minute penalty.

Brighton will also host Chelsea in its opening game of the pandemic-delayed new Premier League season on Sept. 14.

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