Premier League Considers Paying £10 Million to Police for Prime-Time TV Matches
Premier League officials are reportedly considering a plan to pay £10 million to the police in order to televise high-profile matches in prime-time slots. According to the Mail, there is a growing reluctance from the police to police games between rival teams in the late afternoon and evenings. The league’s potential offer of £10 million is seen as a sweetener to convince the police to allow big games to be televised at later times in the day.
The move comes as the chances of trouble between fans are likely to be higher for a later kick-off. The Premier League has not commented on the matter but sources have stated that various options are being reviewed to support the police in keeping match-goers and communities safe.
It is believed that any potential cash payment would be a one-off, with the money distributed to forces as needed at the given time. This report follows the recent rescheduling of the highly anticipated match between Manchester City and Liverpool, which was originally scheduled for 5.30pm but was moved forward to 12.30pm due to police concerns about potential fan behavior.
Last season, Chelsea managed to secure a 5.30pm game against rivals Manchester United. However, this came at the cost of reducing Manchester United’s away allowance from 3,000 to 1,500, leaving many supporters upset.
The Premier League is also taking into account viewing figures in America. A 12.30pm kick-off starts at 7.30am on the eastern seaboard and even earlier for fans on the west coast, making it more likely for them to catch the later games.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has commented on the matter, stating that policing subsidizes football to a significant extent and that any increased funding should not be linked to kick-off times. They emphasize that policing considerations of when games kick-off are based on public safety and the capacity of forces to deliver wider core roles within their communities.
While the Premier League’s plan to pay £10 million to the police for prime-time TV matches may help address concerns about fan behavior and ensure the safety of match-goers and communities, it is important to prioritize public safety over commercial interests. The police should have the necessary resources and support to fulfill their duties effectively, regardless of kick-off times.
In conclusion, the Premier League’s proposal to pay £10 million to the police for prime-time TV matches reflects a growing concern about fan behavior and the need to ensure public safety. While this move may help address these concerns, it is crucial to prioritize public safety over commercial interests and provide sustainable funding for policing football matches.