Published 12:19 IST, May 7th 2020
Premier League clubs could vote to relegate bottom three if they block Project Restart
Premier League return update: Top league officials have threatened a vote to relegate the bottom three clubs if they move to block the Project Restart proposal.
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The Premier League relegation battle was a heated affair before the season was suspended a couple of months ago. Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Norwich City were the three teams in the Premier League relegation zone. Meanwhile, Brighton, Watford and Watford loomed above the bottom three in the Premier League standings before the suspension of the league due to the COVID-19 crisis. The Premier League's Project Restart proposal has been met with mixed emotions by top-flight clubs. However, as league officials gear up for a meeting next week regarding the same, rumours suggest that those opposing the restart of the league could face an imposed Premier League relegation.
Premier League return update
English clubs push back training return date to May 18
Premier League clubs have delayed a return to training until May 18 at the earliest. Boris Johnson's next phase of lockdown briefing has been pushed back to May 10, forcing the Premier League's Friday meeting to be delayed to the start of next week #mulive [mail]
— utdreport (@utdreport) May 5, 2020
Also Read | Premier League return: Club doctors raise safety issues on players contracting coronavirus
Premier League relegation battle
Premier League clubs threaten vote to relegate bottom three if they block return
The Premier League restart proposal reportedly includes the remaining league fixtures being played at neutral venues as suggested by British government officials and police personnel. While Bournemouth and Norwich City representatives have not yet passed an official statement on the Premier League relegation rumours, Aston Villa executive Christian Purslow has given his view on the subject. As per Dailymail, Purslow was quoted as saying, "Personally I am against it. We are a club that prides itself on home form. Two-thirds of our wins this season came at home. We have six left. Giving up that advantage is a massive decision and I wouldn't agree to it unless the circumstances are right. My duty is to my club." Previously, Brighton's Paul Barber echoed the same sentiments about the remaining matches being played at neutral venues.
Also Read | Premier League relegation battle: Aston Villa join Premier League strugglers fighting neutral venue plan
Premier League return
Team celebrations, swapping shirts post-match, sharing water bottles and spitting are expected to be banned as part of new Premier League protocols #mulive [telegraph]
— utdreport (@utdreport) May 6, 2020
12:19 IST, May 7th 2020