Premier League Clubs Set To Use Fake Crowd Noise If Games Are Played Behind Closed Doors

Premier League clubs could use fake crowd noise if the rest of the season is played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Times have reported that sides are exploring the possibility of using fake crowd noise to 'minimise the loss of home advantage' if fans aren't allowed back in the ground.

Reports have also emerged that executives are concerned with empty seats that would be visible to viewers and are looking into getting them covered up.

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Brighton & Hove Albion are one of the clubs leading the charge and chief executive Paul Barber explained:

"We've started to give some thought internally into, 'Could we dress the stadium?'

"Could we make the stadium better than just blue empty seats in our case? Could we look at noise being brought into the stadium in some way, but is that really what the fans at home would want and is that what the broadcasters would want?

"Then you've got the operational challenges: how would it work in terms of the emergency services? The last thing we would want is to put any more pressure on them."

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He went on to state: "We've all adapted so quickly and in some ways it's a real triumph for human beings, so I dare say we would adapt to playing behind closed doors.

"It would be strange, and football but not quite as we know it, but if that is the only way then of course we have to get on with it."

Clubs are also discussing if pre-match light and pyrotechnic shows will be suitable given the current climate.

Barber explained that he would like to use the spotlight as a way to shine a light on the heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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"I would rather see the blue seats covered," he explained.

"We could put up a great message to thank the NHS of course and we can use the space we have got for good purposes, without a doubt."

It emerged on Friday that the Premier League is unlikely to return before June 8.

Every club has 9 or 10 games remaining in the season and it's likely the games could be played in a five week period this summer.

Do you think Premier League games should use artificial crowd noise when games return?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Football News, News, Football, Premier League, Coronavirus

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

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