Premier League games will take place without fans for the rest of the season because of the coronavirus pandemic. (Reuters)
Everton will be allowed to host city rival Liverpool at Goodison Park instead of playing at a neutral venue when the rivals meet on June 21.
Police had initially believed the Merseyside derby could not be staged in Liverpool because of fears that fans would congregate outside.
Premier League games will take place without fans for the rest of the season because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Ground Safety Advisory Group in Liverpool says Anfield and Goodison Park can now be used for Liverpool and Everton matches.
Liverpool could clinch the trophy by beating Everton if Manchester City loses to Arsenal on June 17.
Liverpool Deputy Mayor Wendy Simon says “we are confident the measures in place will allow the matches to be held behind closed doors without any detrimental impact to all concerned and recommend to the city council that the safety certificates for both grounds be amended to allow this to happen.”
___
English soccer club Stoke says manager Michael O’Neill has tested positive for COVID-19.
The second-division club says the 50-year-old O’Neill had tested negative in five previous rounds of testing but the positive result came from a test administered on Monday.
Stoke says O’Neill will “follow the relevant guidance and undergo a period of isolation.” Assistant manager Billy McKinlay will take charge of training.
Stoke is scheduled to play Reading when the Championship resumes on June 20.
The Premier League returns to action with two matches on June 17.