Albion admit the big decision on restarting the Premier League is out of clubs’ hands.

But the police chief who urged clubs such as the Seagulls to “get a grip” as they opposed neutral stadia yesterday appeared to be changing his tune.

The Seagulls led opposition to the neutral stadia plan and 13 clubs followed suit when the Premier League met on Monday.

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Roberts of South Yorkshire Police, who is the UK’s national football policing lead, said “positive” discussions had been held on Monday evening.

DCC Roberts said in a statement released to the media yesterday: “Following a positive meeting between police, government and football last night, we will be jointly exploring a range of options to identify a way forward, which minimises any risks to public safety and unnecessary pressure on public services, but facilitates a sensible restart to the season, to support the economic and morale benefits associated with the sport.”

Last week DCC Roberts called on those questioning the fairness of neutral venues to “get a grip” amid a pandemic.

The ball is now in the authorities’ court although Albion are quietly confident they will able to stage their five remaining home games at the Amex.

Technical director Dan Ashworth said: “Ultimately government is going to decide whether it accepts the plan or not. The Government is basically in charge.

“It is probably quite unique really in that, for most of the decisions that we make as a game, the stakeholders are in charge.

“The Premier League, the FA , EFL, LMA and PFA would be the main ones. You know what’s going to happen.

“This time, uniquely that’s not the case. The Government is rightly in control of lockdown, or relaxing it and of exit strategies.

“So, obviously it’s got to fit around what they deem to be safe.

“Whatever football decides, in this particular situation is going to have to be signed off by government.”