Liverpool chairman Tom Werner believes fans may not return to Anfield – and grounds across the country – until a vaccine for coronavirus has been found.
Werner also reasserted his club’s stance on finishing the Premier League season and said it would be “good for the country” for football to return.
Liverpool players resumed training on Wednesday after two months away from their Melwood ground.
The league-leaders took part in small group sessions in line with the Premier League’s regulations to protect against the spread of coronavirus.
But while English top-flight football is scheduled to return behind closed doors next month, fans may not be able to support their team in the flesh until 2021.
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
And Werner believes the discovery of a vaccine is key to ensuring supporters can attend matches.
“The more important thing is if we can figure out a way to get these matches played because I think it would be good for the country,” he said.
“The most important thing is safety. I do think the protocols that the Premier League are working on as somebody said its probably safer to play behind closed doors than to go to a supermarket.
“It’s a terrible situation we’re all in. Someday, hopefully, there will be a vaccine and we can return to the joy of being in a stadium and watching the elegant play of great football players.”
Werner also discussed Liverpool’s controversial decision to place a number of non-playing staff on the government’s furlough scheme shortly after the UK went into lockdown.
The unpopular move was reversed only days later due to fan backlash and Werner admits the initial decision was a mistake.
He added: “It’s better to admit to a mistake than to dig your heels in.
“Hopefully people will know that all we really care about is trying to support the fans and support our players and our club in a way that is sustainable.”
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