Premier League clubs have warned of “very serious economic implications” if fans cannot return to stadia soon.

Albion have been at the forefront of spectators getting back to matches after the Covid-19 lockdown.

They received widespread praise for a test event in front of 2,500 fans when Chelsea visited the Amex.

And the club’s deputy chairman Paul Barber has been involved with talks with Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Dowden met with sports representatives yesterday – as EFL clubs were given the green light to allow 1,000 fans to attend selected fixtures.

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In a joint statement, the sports authorities reported: “We were able to explain our extensive arrangements for how we can manage a controlled return of fans following all relevant public health guidelines. It is our firm belief that sports fans will be as safe as in other areas of activity currently permitted.

“We also reiterated a commitment to continue to give full assistance to the Government with test and trace requirements and public health messaging.

“We conveyed to the Secretary of State the very serious financial situation now facing our sports, clubs and venues and that we believe we can stage events safely.

“It is clear that if fans cannot return soon that there will be very serious economic implications across our sporting sector.

“Our sports have already demonstrated through staging fixtures behind closed doors, in test events and through the return of recreational sport that we can deliver the very highest standards in safety and best practice.

“We will continue to engage with the Government in the days ahead and provide any further evidence required.”

The statement was released jointly by British Horseracing, the Premier League, the EFL, the ECB, the FA, the LTA, the RFL and the RFU.