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Premier League discuss curtailment for first time as clubs reject neutral venues

The Premier League have discussed curtailment for the 2019/20 season for the first time, chief executive Richard Masters has confirmed.

All 20 clubs to took part in a video conference call on Monday to try and find a solution to finish the remaining 92 matches.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also confirmed on Monday that "cultural and sporting events" could take place behind closed doors after June 1.

It was the fifth time Premier League shareholders had discussed the issue since play was suspended in March, and Masters admits they might have to find a creative way to finish the season.

"It was the first time we discussed curtailment – it's still our aim to finish the season obviously but it's important to discuss all the options with our clubs," Masters told the Mirror.

"Obviously we reflected on Boris' statement last night and the fuller statement that came out right at the end of the meeting and what that means for us.

"I'm happy to reveal it was discussed for the first time but the contents of that discussion have to remain confidential. What I can say is that all of the talk was about finishing the season. No conclusions were reached on any other models.

"Those are future conversations we may need to have. There was a desire to see all the different implications, the adaptions, if you like, to the Premier League model as we know in order to play out the season and then discuss what the fairest way forward is."

Masters also added that the Premier League would review its stance on playing at neutral venues, after some clubs vehemently rejected the proposal.

"Everybody would prefer to play home and away if at all possible," Masters said.

"It's clear to see that some clubs feel more strongly about that than others. It is an ongoing dialogue and we've been talking to the authorities about the conditions in which we could get the Premier League back up and running and taking all that advice on board.

"We are working flat out to create a responsible, safe, and deliverable model to complete the season.

"No decisions will be made until after we have talked to players and managers and those meetings are scheduled for later this week."

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Freddie Taylor

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