Season Review - Premier League
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Season Review 2020/21
Welcome
The 2020/21 Premier League 10,000 fans were at the Etihad clubs have put into their additional funding to help clubs together with our partners,
season was unpredictable and Stadium to watch Manchester Academies, is paying off. The survive. other sports and organisations
competitive as the COVID-19 City being crowned worthy Premier League has become an Football brings together to stage a social media boycott,
pandemic posed considerable champions. They produced an excellent mix of the best players communities from all highlighting the need for greater
challenges, not only for football amazing run of 15 consecutive from around the world and backgrounds and it is this action against online hate.
and wider sport, but society as League wins to transform quality homegrown talent. diversity that has made We look forward to the
a whole. Despite everything, their season and to produce I was proud of the wide- the game stronger on the 2021/22 season with optimism.
all our clubs produced an that level of consistency in a ranging work that clubs and pitch. The launch of our No Safety will, of course, continue
entertaining and action-packed truncated campaign was hugely players continued to carry out Room For Racism Action Plan to be the most important factor,
campaign. impressive. in their communities during the emphasises our commitment but I can’t wait for the vibrant
There were difficult times, Across the season, we saw pandemic to ensure vulnerable to promote equality and atmosphere at matches that
certainly during December nine clubs lead the table, more members of society were tackle discrimination to ensure only comes with full stadiums.
and January when we had to than ever before, and there was cared for, along with continued diversity is reflected across the The Premier League will not fully
postpone matches. The safety much to play for on a thrilling support for the NHS. game. be back until then.
of everybody was the priority final day. To have three Premier The incredible efforts both Our fight against racism I hope you enjoy this review
throughout the pandemic and League teams in the European on and off the pitch were and all forms of discrimination of a unique season as we reflect
we adapted our protocols to finals, including an all-English all carried out despite the remains a priority. The online on the fantastic work of all our
ensure we could complete the Champions League final, was significant financial impact of abuse we see players receive clubs.
season as scheduled. This would fantastic. Congratulations to the pandemic. must stop and we will continue
not have been possible without Chelsea for a deserved victory. Our clubs have lost to challenge social media
the hard work of so many What was really pleasing was approximately £2 billion since companies on this issue. We
people. that young English talent played March 2020, but we have support players, managers
It was brilliant to see all clubs such a key role in the fortunes of ensured that our solidarity and their families through
welcome supporters back for those teams. This shows how the payments to the whole of our proactive monitoring and Richard Masters
the final two match rounds of Elite Player Performance Plan, football have been maintained, reporting systems and I was Chief Executive
the season. I was delighted that and all the time and investment as well as contributing proud to see all clubs come Premier League
The Football No Room For Racism The Fans The Communities The Premier League
Gripping drama 06-07 Action against discrimination 14 Everyone’s game 18-19 A force for good 26-27 More than a game 34-35
Stories of the season 08-09 Tackling online hate 15 Safe return of fans 20-21 COVID-19 community support 28-29 Supporting the whole game 36-37
Developing talent 10-11 Creating positive change 16-17 Global broadcasting 22-23 Inspiring the next generation 30-31 Funding the future 38-39
Season awards 12-13 Digital fan engagement 24-25 Improving physical and mental health 32-33
2 Welcome 3
“We will always remember this
season for the way that we won.
I am so proud to be the manager
here and of this group of players.
They are so special. To come
through this season — with all the
restrictions and difficulties we’ve
faced — and show the consistency
we have is remarkable.”
Pep Guardiola
Manager, Manchester City
Exciting
football
A season of competitive and enthralling action
presented unparalleled challenges, as the Premier
League and clubs demonstrated a commitment to
excellence in playing, coaching and safety standards
4 5
Gripping drama in Competitive and captivating football
153
The 2020/21 Premier League they achieved their highest points
a unique campaign Away wins in 2020/21,
season will live long in the memory
for numerous reasons, with the
competitiveness on the pitch evident
total (66) since winning the title in
2015/2016 as they finished fifth for
the second season running. The
Clubs contended with continuing COVID-19 challenges to bring the first time in as a record nine different teams Foxes also won the FA Cup for the
history it was higher topped the table and a number of first time in their history.
action-packed entertainment to a truncated 2020/21 season
than home wins (144) clubs took significant strides.
in the top four tiers of West Ham United remained in the
English football While Leicester City just missed out running for a top-four spot until late in
on a UEFA Champions League spot, the campaign, with a sixth-place finish
and qualification for the UEFA Europa
League a considerable improvement
having come 16th in 2019/20. Another
club to have made significant strides
is Aston Villa, who won seven more
matches compared to the previous
season.
Newly promoted Leeds United, back
in the Premier League for the first
time in 16 years, finished with 59
points, the best tally by a promoted
club since 2000/01.
Needs subbing
“A season and a title like no other” A triumph for homegrown talent
After Manchester City were crowned matches remaining. “At the start of For the second time in three seasons, as winning the club’s Player of the
champions for the third time in the every season, the Premier League the UEFA Champions League final Year award. James also continued his
last four years, Pep Guardiola is the most important title for us. was contested between two English impressive progress as he featured
hailed this as their toughest teams, with young homegrown talent in 32 Premier League matches. All
Premier League triumph so far. “This is the one where you have to playing a key role for both Manchester three have become regulars in Gareth
be there every three days, playing City and Chelsea throughout the Southgate’s England squad and will
With the ongoing COVID-19 all your rivals home and away. Only season. be hoping to reproduce their strong
pandemic leading to a truncated by being the very best, week in week club form for the Three Lions at this
season, there were unparalleled out, can you win this competition. Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Reece summer’s UEFA EURO 2020.
pressures on every club. It is a huge success.” James are great examples of players
who have come through their club’s More than a quarter of the players in
Whereas both of City’s previous Although 10,000 fans were back at ranks and established a place in the matchday squads of the Premier
Pep Guardiola won his third title-winning seasons under the Etihad Stadium to see the Trophy world-class squads since the launch League clubs taking part in the
Premier League title as Guardiola had seen them set off at lift on the final day of the campaign, of the Premier League’s Elite Player 2020/21 UEFA competition finals were
Manchester City manager
a breathtaking pace, their start to the remainder of the League season Performance Plan (EPPP) 10 years English, with an average age of 24.8.
2020/21 was relatively slow. Lying 13th was played without Manchester City ago. The long-term strategy aims to
in the table at one point in November, supporters in attendance due to develop more and better homegrown
they recorded 15 straight Premier COVID-19 restrictions, and Guardiola players through the Academy system,
13 42.3%
League victories between December had special words for supporters. ensuring players have access to a
and March to take control of the title varied games programme and regular
race and never looked back. “It is so important to say a huge high-level competition.
Manchester City thank you to all our fans,” he said. Of starters in Match
set a new record “This has been a season and a “In our toughest moments, we Round 37 were eligible Foden netted 17 goals in all
for consecutive Premier League title like no other. couldn’t hear the crowd get to play for England. competitions in 2020/21, while Mount
Premier League This was the hardest one,” said behind us as usual, but we know The season average played more minutes and more
away victories Guardiola after his 31st trophy as they are with us everywhere we of 38.2% was the matches than any other Chelsea Phil Foden and Reece James competing at a
in a season a manager was sealed with three go and that has lifted us.” highest for 12 seasons player across all competitions, as well Premier League Under-14 tournament in 2013/14
6 The Football 7
Stories of the season Big breakthrough
Aston Villa enjoyed a much-improved
2020/21 saw protocols enhanced and introduced, while second season back in the Premier
clubs remained focused on developing young talent
25
Years and 250 days
League, with the club also placing
their faith in a number of Academy
graduates.
Pioneering protocols for player welfare was Aston Villa’s
average starting Jacob Ramsey joined the Villans at
XI age, the second Under-9s and had a campaign to
The Premier League and its so we could complete Season youngest in the remember after making his Premier
clubs continued to work closely 2020/21. League in 2020/21 League debut in September 2020.
with Government, public health behind Fulham
authorities and other relevant The Premier League’s robust “To make my first start and 21
stakeholders to implement COVID-19 COVID-19 testing programme appearances in the Premier League
0.31%
operational protocols and maintain
the bio-secure environments
created during last season’s
provided an additional layer of
safety and security for all players
and club staff throughout the
34%
Increase in minutes
at the age of 19 makes me very
proud and I’m thankful to all the
coaching staff for giving me the
Two other young English players,
Ollie Watkins and Matty Cash,
also impressed during their debut
The percentage of Project Restart. campaign. opportunities,” he said. Premier League campaigns after
positive results (261) by under-23 players signing for the club. Watkins scored
from 83,376 COVID-19 Strict health and safety measures When infection rates rose across across the League, The club also gave Premier League 14 goals in 37 League appearances
tests of Premier remained in place to keep the country during December compared to the debuts to two more players from and made his senior England debut,
League players and training grounds and stadiums and January, that was reflected five-season average their Academy: Jaden Philogene- while right-back Cash played 28
staff during 2020/21 as safe as possible for everybody with an increase in positive Bidace and Carney Chukwuemka. League matches.
results at Premier League clubs. In
response, the frequency of testing
was increased and enhanced
safety protocols were brought Leading the way on Academy issues
in. These were designed to limit
infections at clubs, with stricter The Players’ Leadership Group was tackle the issue of discrimination and
rules on hygiene at training launched by the Arsenal Academy four came up with objectives to work on
grounds, travel and stadiums seasons ago as a way of engaging together. This included creating a young
that went beyond those Under-9 to Under-23 players on key person-led protocol for responding
previously in place. issues and to ensure the voices of young to incidents of abuse when they
people were heard. happen on the pitch, as well as a video
This resulted in the figures explaining the need for the protocol.
reducing significantly in a short Each season, a new set of players is
space of time, keeping everybody elected to the group, voted in by their In spite of the pandemic, four of
safe and allowing the campaign peers and staff. Empowered to share the young leaders developed and
to be completed on schedule. their views and opinions, the group presented their protocol to the club’s
helps to create a more collaborative Academy Management Team before
and youth-led approach to a player’s sharing the idea with the Premier
Concussion subs and heading studies time in the Academy. League and The FA. The League
has since adapted the group’s
During 2020/21, the group decided to idea and created a protocol for all
A permanent concussion training at professional level which Academy football, aimed at tackling
substitution trial was introduced in are expected to be implemented discrimination and using a young
the Premier League in February 2021 ahead of the 2021/22 season. person-led approach.
as part of IFAB’s global trial. Teams
were able to make a maximum of The Premier League also joined the Arsenal’s safeguarding coordinator
two concussion substitutes, with Alzheimer’s Society’s Sport United for men’s football Alex Hepton said:
the opposition able to use the Against Dementia campaign to “One of our beliefs at Arsenal is that
equivalent number. help build awareness of dementia in better people create better players.
our communities. This builds on the By helping our young people to
The League also began two studies existing work carried out by clubs develop the skills to communicate
to identify the forces involved in to increase support for fans and their thoughts, feelings and beliefs
heading footballs. The studies will communities and ensure those who we are supporting them to succeed in
inform guidelines for heading in need it can access dementia support. football and in life.”
8 The Football 9
Developing talent Encouraging diversity in coaching
The Professional Player to Coach coaches per season start a 23-month
Our commitment to producing the next generation Scheme was launched in 2020, work placement at an EFL club. One
aimed at increasing the number of the first year’s intake was former
of stars is being delivered through high-standard of Black, Asian and minority ethnic Aston Villa player Jon-Paul Pittman
learning opportunities for players and coaches players who transition into full-time who is on a placement with Exeter
coaching roles in the professional City’s Academy coaching team.
game.
Helping players take the next step Run in partnership between the
“This scheme will make huge strides
in opening doors and breaking
Premier League, EFL and PFA Charity, down barriers,” Pittman said soon
Joel Bonner joined the Liverpool the programme sees up to six after starting the scheme.
Academy at the age of 12 and spent
four years with the club before he
was released aged 15.
A supportive environment to learn
“It’s a really tough experience when
any player is told they’re getting Neil Ryan is in his 18th year as an League’s Elite Coach Apprenticeship
released,” explained Joel. Academy coach at Manchester Scheme (ECAS) in 2014/15. “The club
United and says the club’s has always been a fantastic place
“There’s a lot of support there and commitment to developing coaches for coaches to develop and learn,” he
there’s a strategy in place for each equals its proud heritage of reveals. “I’ve had great coaches and
Each Premier player when they do get released. producing homegrown players. mentors to learn from and I’ve had
League Category So, I went to Loughborough nothing but support in my desire to
One Club Academy University and studied Sport and The Under-18s manager has coached become a better coach.
has full-time Exercise Psychology.” every age group from Under-11s to
Education and Under-19s, working with the likes of “When I have asked for help to improve,
Player Care Now an Under-15s & 16s analyst and Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood such as joining ECAS, they have fully
staff to support coach at the club he represented, and Scott McTominay along the way. backed me. The programme opened my
the academic Bonner is thankful for the support eyes and it was fascinating to learn how
and personal he received from his time in the Neil explains how the club places I could improve in terms of management,
development of youth set-up. so education and schooling great importance on investing in building relations, presentations and so
players. This is in doesn’t get neglected. its coaches. This included him being forth. I still apply the skillsets I learned
addition to full-time “Looking at the Academy system supported through the Premier on a regular basis to this day.”
safeguarding as a whole, there’s definitely “The support you get, just to know
and psychology an emphasis on developing the you’re not on your own in terms of
provision. person and making sure that the next steps you’re going to take,
you’ve got that back-up plan, is really important.” Making a difference every day
As assistant Under-18s coach at still really strong. Tyrick Mitchell this
Evaluating the Academy experience Crystal Palace, it’s Darren Powell’s
job to not only deliver training
season has shown what can be done.
With us, if you’re good enough, if the
sessions to young players, but talent’s there and you work hard,
A survey conducted during Season The Elite Player Performance Plan, also prepare them for life beyond then the opportunity is there for you.”
2020/21 found that parents launched in 2012, enables clubs to the youth teams and hopefully a
of players at Premier League develop both the player and the pathway to the first team. Powell came through the Premier
Academies believe clubs provide person, by providing a wide range of League’s Elite Coach Apprenticeship
a positive experience with strong educational and welfare activities It is nearly 20 years since Powell was Scheme as part of the Black, Asian
practices in place to support players’ designed to enhance learning as well a Premier League regular for the and Minority Ethnic and female coach
holistic development. as provide life skills. club, which has always had a good initiative, and says it has given him
Crystal Palace’s track record of developing talented the tools to really make a difference.
93%
An independent study by Sparkler, The effectiveness of this off-pitch Under-23s won homegrown players.
which surveyed parents of Premier activity was underlined by the promotion to Premier “Knowledge isn’t enough, it’s about
League club Academy players aged fact that 91 per cent of parents League 2 Division 1 in “Even in my time as a player here, how you deliver it,” he says. “The
Of parents believe between eight and 17, found 93 per surveyed believed clubs cared their first season there was a conveyor belt of players programme was massive for me. It’s
the overall Academy cent of respondents said the overall about their child’s development as a Category coming through,” he says. “That ethos helped me focus on what we can really
experience is positive Academy experience was positive. beyond football. One Academy of developing homegrown players is do to enhance players’ performance.”
10 The Football 11
Premier League ????????
Season Awards Permanent concussion substitution
trials were introduced in the Premier
League and across English football
heading in training at professional
and adult football levels which are
expected to be implemented ahead
Recognising the individuals whose outstanding in February. of the 2021/22 season
contributions during 2020/21 earned them our
seasonal honours Golden GloveWith Manager
player welfare the priority,
the protocols allow teams to make
of the Season
The Premier League also joined the
Alzhiemer’s Society’s Sport Against
Ederson a maximum of two concussion Dementia board, working alongside
substitutes, with the opposition Pep Guardiola
side other sports and broadcasters to
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson
able to use retained
the equivalent number. build awareness of dementia in
the Coca-Cola Golden Glove award in 2020/21 Pep Guardiola was named the
our communities. ThisBarclays
builds on Premier
the
after keeping more clean sheets than
In March, theany other began two
League League Manager
existingof the carried
work Season outafter
byleading
clubs
Caption
stopper in the League. Thestudies
Brazilian identify the forces Manchester
to recorded to City to a third
increase titlefor
support in fans
four years.
and
19 shut-outs in 36 games, improving
involved inon his
heading footballs, Under
with his tutelage,
communitiesCityand
set aensure
top-flight record
millions
winning tally of 16 the previous season.
the aim of making the game as by registering
more13people
consecutive
accessaway wins and
dementia
safe as possible for all players.also
Thepicked up a fourth successive Carabao Cup.
support.
studies will inform guidelines for
Player of the Season
Young Player
Ruben Dias
of the Season
Manchester City’s Ruben Dias was crowned
the EA Sports Player of the Season following a Phil Foden
dream debut campaign in English football.
The Portuguese centre-back, who made 32 Midfielder Phil Foden’s standout performances
Premier League appearances, was a key part for Manchester City have been rewarded with
of the watertight defence that conceded the Young Player of the Season prize. The
the fewest top-flight goals as the Citizens 21-year-old, who made his senior England debut
marched towards the title. The 24-year-old last September, contributed nine goals and five
also added the Carabao Cup and Football assists as his team stormed to the League title.
Writers’ Association trophies to his collection,
becoming the first defender to win the latter
since Steve Nicol in 1989.
Golden Boot &
Playmaker of the Season
Harry Kane
Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane ended
the 2020/21 campaign with two prizes – the
Coca-Cola Golden Boot and Playmaker
PL2 Player of the Season Goal of the Season
awards – after recording 23 goals and 14
assists for the season. The England captain Liam Delap Erik Lamela
scored one and assisted another as Spurs beat
Leicester City on the final day of the season, Liam Delap won the Premier League 2 Player of Erik Lamela’s magnificent ‘rabona’ finish against
sealing his place at the top of both lists in fitting the Season award after helping fire Manchester Arsenal was voted the Budweiser Goal of the
fashion. He is only the second player to have City Under-23s to the title. The 18-year-old Season. The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder
finished with both the outright most scored the most goals (24) in one season by a swung his left foot around his right and shot
goals and assists in the competition after player in the competition’s history. through the legs of Thomas Partey to score in
Andy Cole in 1993/94. the north London derby at Emirates Stadium.
Reporting online hate
Ongoing action
against discrimination The Premier League legal team
undertook a detailed investigation
to successfully identify and
locate the offender, before
The Premier League and our clubs are committed working with Neal, the club and
to eradicating prejudice and continue to promote local authorities to pursue legal
equality and diversity in all we do action.
This resulted in a man in Singapore,
Derek Ng De Ren, being prosecuted
The commitment of the Premier
and convicted of crimes relating to
League and our clubs to promoting
harassment.
equality, diversity and inclusion was
more evident than ever this season,
Neal said: “I would like to thank
as we collectively demonstrated the
Addressing the issue of online the club and Premier League for
importance of tackling all forms
discriminatory abuse is a priority for the support they showed me in this
of discrimination.
the Premier League and our clubs. matter, and the professionalism in
dealing with it; as well as the police
The announcement of the League’s
Following the launch of the and courts in Singapore.
No Room For Racism Action Plan
League’s dedicated reporting
in February outlined a series of
system for players, managers, “The vile and toxic abuse of
commitments aimed at creating
coaches and their family members which I was on the receiving end
greater access to opportunities
in June 2020, one player to have is a daily occurrence for many
and career progression for Black,
utilised it is Brighton & Hove Albion professional athletes and public
Asian and minority ethnic groups
striker Neal Maupay. figures, and I hope this goes
in football, along with actions to
some way to showing those online
eradicate racial prejudice. These build
The Frenchman used the system trolls that it is totally unacceptable
on the existing year-round action
to report the threatening and and that the authorities are
taken by the League and clubs.
abusive messages he received on prepared to take the necessary
who took a knee at fixtures and
Instagram. action.”
Players and match officials once there were more dedicated match
again wore the No Room For rounds than ever to the No Room
Racism sleeve badge on their shirts For Racism initiative, during which
throughout the season. The League fans were urged to challenge and
also continued to support players report racism.
Worldwide social media boycott
The No Room For Racism Action Plan is Academies and in their future careers,
underpinned by the following six commitments: whether in football or elsewhere, regardless
The Premier League, our clubs and This includes putting stronger
of ethnicity or background. partners joined forces with the preventative and take-down
• Increasing diversity in leadership positions in entirety of English football – as well measures in place to stop abuse
• Using the appeal and reach of the League
all areas, creating a workforce which reflects as other sports and organisations being seen or sent, protecting users
and clubs, working together to help children
across the UK and globally – for a by implementing effective verification
the diversity of our industry and communities. and young people reach their potential social media boycott. and ensuring real-life sanctions for
• Increasing the representation of coaches by promoting aspiration, education and online discriminatory abuse.
pathways to opportunities. This was in response to the ongoing
from Black, Asian and minority ethnic
and sustained discriminatory online The boycott came after English
backgrounds, addressing the historic • Continuing to take action against all forms abuse received by players and football wrote an open letter to
1.7bn
under-representation of Black former of racism so that football is a welcoming and many others connected to football. Jack Dorsey, the CEO of Twitter,
players in coaching and other technical safe environment for all participants and fans. The boycott took place over an and Mark Zuckerberg, the founder,
roles at senior levels in football. entire match round, from Friday Chairman and CEO of Facebook,
• Providing clubs with a clear framework for Combined following 30 April to Monday 3 May 2021, calling for an end to racist abuse
• Ensuring every player has the opportunity achieving and reporting progress against of the accounts that and sought to put further pressure on their platforms. We will continue
to achieve their potential at Premier League agreed equality, diversity and inclusion targets. joined the social on social media companies and to apply pressure until significant
media boycott demand change on their platforms. changes are made.
14 No Room For Racism 15
Creating positive Committed to an all-inclusive cause
change together
The Premier League Equality, the club’s commitment to being a
Diversity and Inclusion Standard welcoming and safe space for all.
(PLEDIS) has had a hugely positive
impact since its inception in 2015, PLEDIS aims to educate and
Clubs and players continue to play a vital role and West Ham United’s commitment encourage all 20 Premier League
to the scheme was rewarded during clubs, including their charitable
in challenging discriminatory behaviour and
Season 2020/21. foundations and all aspects of their
creating an inclusive football environment businesses, to develop and evolve
The Hammers were granted the into working environments that
‘Advanced Level’ status by an champion mental wellbeing, positive
Players supported the Premier others who face discrimination. independent panel, underlining change and a culture of diversity.
League’s ongoing action against Mitchell says the threat of online
racism this season by sharing their abuse is one players have become West Ham United Vice-Chairman
own experiences of discrimination accustomed to. “In the back of my Karren Brady was delighted the
to help raise awareness of the mind I’m kind of prepared for it if it club’s work has been recognised
issue. Some of these stories have happens,” he said. “I shouldn’t have and emphasised the importance of
been added to the educational to think it might happen at some increasing this over coming seasons.
resources available to more than point. I should never have that
18,000 primary schools through feeling, but that’s how it is now.” Brady said: “We commit to
the Premier League Primary Stars continue listening to staff, fans and
programme. In response, Ward said: “You should the industry, always reflecting on
never have to think, ‘Oh I’m going our approach to equality, diversity
Crystal Palace players Tyrick Mitchell to prepare myself for this,’ because and inclusion, and going further
(left) and Joel Ward were joined it shouldn’t be happening. I hope if than we already do.”
by women’s player Leigh Nicol as Tyrick ever did experience it, we can
they discussed the importance of have a conversation because we’re
allyship and showing support for all in it together.”
Network of support for fans
Rainbow Blades played a crucial role groups have been going for five years
Chelsea say No To Hate In Season 2020/21
in ensuring fans kept connected to
events at Bramall Lane – and beyond
and some, like ourselves, are just
coming up to their first birthday.
the Premier League
– during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chelsea launched their No To Hate go from there. I think more people reinforced its
“There are over 50 LGBT+ and allies
IHRA campaign following the discriminatory
abuse of several of their players online.
are getting racist abuse and it only
makes sense to put a stop to it.”
commitment to
promoting equality
Rainbow Blades is the first official supporters groups up and down the
This season the LGBT+ supporters group at Sheffield country and every one stands for the
Premier League The initiative has five focus areas: and diversity by
United and held pre-match online same thing: football for everyone.
adopted the Education, Social Media, Support, In May 2021, Chelsea released their agreeing a new
social events so fans could still feel So why shouldn’t we be working
International Awareness and Opportunity, all of own social media policy as a guide two-year strategic
involved with the Blades’ season. together? It makes complete sense.”
Holocaust which complement the club’s support for fans on engaging with the club, partnership with
They also connected with LGBT+
Remembrance of the Premier League’s No Room For players, staff and other fans online. Stonewall. The
football supporters groups from
Alliance’s working Racism Action Plan. League and our
other Premier League clubs, including
definition of It details the action the club will take, clubs have worked
West Ham United’s Pride of Irons,
antisemitism, No To Hate builds upon the work the and asks fans to take, should they alongside the LGBT+
helping to improve and increase a
enabling the club already undertakes to tackle see online discriminatory abuse. charity since 2017
sense of inclusivity and community
League to deal antisemitism and all other forms of Through this policy, Chelsea aim to and a key focus
with fans across the country.
more effectively discrimination, and has been driven create a social media experience for the future will
with antisemitic by owner Roman Abramovich. that is positive, inclusive, safe and as be education and
“The socials remain a real highlight
behaviour directed healthy as can be. encouraging LGBT+
for Rainbow Blades and one of our
at clubs or personnel. Chelsea defender Reece James, who acceptance.
big success stories from our first year,”
experienced online discriminatory
said the group’s founder James Laley.
abuse, said: “I think social media
platforms can do more. When
“They give us an opportunity to
anything happens, they should be
talk about our journeys and share
able to help track the person and
what has and has not worked. Some
16 No Room For Racism 17
“It has been a year like no other and a season lost
to fans. A season in which the joy and camaraderie
of matchday has been replaced by silence and empty
seats. The three games in the season where we were
able to welcome a limited number of supporters into
Goodison Park were very special – and somewhat
emotional. Like all Evertonians, I am counting down
the days for the return of fans in substantial numbers.”
Denise Barrett-Baxendale
Everton CEO
Everyone’s
game
A season largely without fans was unlike any
other, but ensuring supporters around the world
remained connected with the Premier League
and clubs was of paramount importance
18 The Fans 19Safe return Maintaining a special connection
Liverpool Disabled Supporters “It was fantastic to be back. To
of supporters Association (LDSA) Chairman Tommy
Hutchinson has praised the club for
the work it carried out ahead of fans
get a ticket for the Palace game
I felt absolutely blessed,” he said.
“The feedback we’ve had from
As Season 2020/21 reached its climax and lockdown returning for the final game of the our members who went has been
season and their support throughout tremendous. We had to make sure it
restrictions eased, overjoyed fans were able to the pandemic. was absolutely safe, and everything
return to stadia and watch their teams in action we asked of the club, they did for us.
Tommy was back at Anfield to see the
Tommy Hutchinson and
Rachel Ellis at the final Reds seal a UEFA Champions League “The club has been in contact with
Fantastic to be part of the atmosphere Liverpool game of the season spot with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. us the whole time during lockdown.
They’ve been great, sending us
questionnaires to send out to
Richard Beech has been a The club kept fans informed of news
members and keeping in contact with
season-ticket holder at Leeds relating to their return throughout
our secretary, asking how everyone’s
United for 35 years and was one the pandemic, something Richard
been getting on.”
of a lucky number of fans to secure believes was important.
tickets in the club’s ballot to attend
LDSA Secretary Ted Morris added: “To
their final home game of the season “The people who are running the
many disabled supporters, Liverpool
against West Bromwich Albion. club are very proactive in the way
Football Club is their entire world
that they communicate. I think
so the fact the club engaged with
“Me and my wife have been going Mr Radrizzani is absolutely superb.”
us was vital for their mental health.
together for about 25 years and now
From day one, they engaged with the
both my children are season-ticket Having watched the majority of his
LDSA to facilitate this and we are very
holders,” said Richard. “For us all to side’s first season back in the Premier
grateful.”
Richard Beech and his be part of an atmosphere again was League from home, Richard is looking
family at Elland Road fantastic.” forward to being part of larger
crowds at Elland Road next term.
Turf Moor fans show their support
“Marcelo Bielsa’s football is
unbelievable to watch. I just can’t Burnley gave 3,500 fans free ballot were then encouraged
wait for 40,000 people to be in that admission to the club’s last home to make a donation to the NHS
football ground because even our match of the season – and helped following its extraordinary efforts
players, the ones who have joined out the NHS – as a thank you for throughout the pandemic.
this year, won’t have seen that and their ongoing support during the
it’s a great place to be.” COVID-19 pandemic. Chairman Alan Pace said: “This
fixture is an opportunity to reward
Ten thousand supporters who our loyal season-ticket holders who
retained their season tickets for have shown incredible support to
Fans at the heart 2020/21, and had renewed for
2021/22, were eligible to enter a
the club throughout the pandemic.
ballot for a free ticket to watch the “If supporters are able to, the club is
While the pandemic meant fans were “We are a community club and it’s a
Liverpool fixture on 19 May. encouraging successful applications
unable to support Brighton & Hove small but practical thing we can do
in the ballot to consider making a
Albion in person for the majority of to support people who mean a lot to
Fans who were successful in the donation to the NHS charities.”
2020/21, they remained connected us and who have been there for the
with the club through Fans Forums. club over many years,” said Barber.
Over the course of the season the club Regular email communication
held five of these virtual sessions with and phone calls of support for
92%
Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive vulnerable and elderly fans
Paul Barber, and further Q&A sessions continued this season and the
with other senior staff members. These club’s commitment to its supporters
Of Brighton covered issues that directly impacted was demonstrated in its flexibility
season-ticket holders supporters, including plans for fans’ around season-ticket renewals
have renewed for return and season-ticket renewals, as and rollovers for the Seagulls’ next
Season 2021/22 well as wider football issues. Premier League campaign.
20 The Fans Burnley fans cheer on the
team at their final home matchA record-breaking Interacting with a global audience
season The Premier League worked in
conjunction with its international
broadcast partners throughout
and Indian Super League’s
(ISL) continued commitment to
developing football in the country.
The Premier League’s UK broadcast partners brought more football Season 2020/21 to develop
innovative ways of engaging Newcastle United icons Alan Shearer
to the public than ever before in a campaign like no other
supporters around the world. and Steven Taylor took part in a
special show which was produced by
Former Premier League players PLP for broadcast across Star Sports’
40%
For the first time in Premier League needed entertainment for millions
Michael Owen and Richard Dunne network the day before the ISL final.
history, all 380 matches during of football fans around the country.
were the stars of a pre-match show The show offered a new opportunity
one season were broadcast live
Of the UK population for Chinese partner Tencent ahead for ISL fans to engage with the Premier
in the UK. Matches were shown live by Sky
(26.8m people) of the fixture between Manchester League, as the former Magpies players
Sports, BT Sport, Amazon Prime
watched live City and Leeds United in April 2021, selected some of their favourite
With the pandemic resulting in Video and BBC Sport, with record
Premier League interacting live with Tencent’s studio moments of the season.
two further national lockdowns, viewing figures and almost one
coverage in 2020/21 guests in Beijing as well as answering
the frequency of live football billion viewer hours across live and
questions submitted by fans. The Premier League’s ambassador
broadcasts, including free-to-air highlights programming during the
for India, Ranveer Singh, was the
matches, was a source of much- season.
Linking up with India face of Star Sports’ ‘Sunday Night
Football’ campaign, promoting
In India, Star Sports was involved some of the biggest Premier League
in bespoke programming tied to fixtures of the season which took
the 2021 Next Gen event, which place in prime viewing slots on
underlined the Premier League Sunday evening in the country.
Breakfast in Bed for US fans
While fans in Asia watch Premier To thank dedicated fans for their
League matches at night-time, commitment, the Premier League
US-based supporters often get up distributed an exclusive ‘Breakfast
in the early hours to tune in to live in Bed’ kit including a Premier
fixtures broadcast by NBC Sports. League-branded dressing gown,
Sky Sports showed a record 234
breakfast tray and mug so they
matches and achieved two of its BT Sport showed a record 108
50
could enjoy a #MyPLMorning
top 10 most-viewed Premier League matches and achieved its three
breakfast while watching matches.
audiences – 4.496m for Liverpool v highest Premier League audiences.
Matches drew Manchester United and 3.386m for
In November, 1,000 lucky Stateside
audiences of over Liverpool v Manchester City. The More people watched Premier
fans were served up tasty
2m, beating the former was Sky’s second highest League coverage on BT Sport than
Thanksgiving treats as a show of
previous record Premier League audience of all ever before and a record 24 matches
gratitude for their support.
of 43 in 2019/20 time and the highest ever on its Sky drew over 1m viewers, compared
Sports pay channels. A record 42 Sky with the previous high of 15 in
matches drew audiences of over 2m. Season 2018/19.
Protecting the game from piracy
8
Of the top 10
Amazon Prime Video showed more
matches in a season than ever before
BBC showed eight live matches,
with almost 60 per cent of the UK
Thanks to its comprehensive anti-
piracy programme, the Premier
League was able to shut down
partners, as well as the future
health of English football. The
League continues to fight against
190
most-watched in 2020/21, streaming 30 Premier population watching either their the world’s largest infringing piracy of its content, working
Premier League League matches. An estimated live or Match of the Day highlights streaming app Mobdro. with broadcast partners and
matches of all audience of more than 3m viewers coverage. authorities to bring down illegal
time have taken tuned in to the fixture between UN member states The protection of copyright is streams and investigate and
place since the Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in which the Premier hugely important to the Premier prosecute suppliers of illegal
start of 2019/20 in December. League is broadcast League and our broadcast streaming devices.
22 The Fans 23Bringing fans
into the action
Exciting opportunities to interact with the
Premier League helped engage our global audience
Hall of Fame honours our legends
ePL enthrals competitive gamers
Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry across 14 Premier League seasons,
became the inaugural inductees said: “When you look at some of the
The third season of ePremier by 21 of the League’s international
of the official Premier League Hall unbelievable players to have graced
League (ePL) attracted thousands licensees. Fans could also watch on
of Fame, which was launched the Premier League – week in, week
of EA SPORTS FIFA 21 players, with the Premier League’s digital channels.
to recognise and celebrate the out, year in, year out – I feel very
Manchester City’s Shaun ‘Shellzz’
exceptional skill and talent of honoured to join the Hall of Fame.”
Springette sealing a memorable
individuals who have played in the Success in China
triumph in a thrilling climax to the
League since its inception in 1992. Four-time Golden Boot winner and
tournament. The first international ePL event took
For more information visit Arsenal’s record goalscorer Henry
premierleague.com/ place in May, with ePremier League
Shearer, the League’s all-time top said: “If you asked me at the start of
halloffame Having narrowly missed out on the China – in association with our
scorer having netted 260 goals my career about entering the Hall of
live finals in 2018/19, before reaching broadcast partner Tencent Sports and
Fame, I wouldn’t have believed you.
the quarter-final stage in 2019/20, lead partner EA SPORTS – bringing
It’s an amazing honour.”
Shellzz (above) displayed impressive together some of the best Chinese
nerve to win his first major esports gamers alongside hand-picked
The next six players to receive the
trophy. He beat ePL newcomer content creators and influencers
Premier League’s highest individual
honour were voted for by the
public and Premier League Awards
Panel from a shortlist of 23. David
21
International
and World No3 Xbox player, Leeds
United’s Olle ‘Ollelito’ Arbin, in the
grand final on a penalty shoot-out
on EA SPORTS FIFA Online 4. All
20 Premier League clubs were
represented, with Chelsea victorious.
following a 6-6 draw.
Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, Eric broadcast partners
Cantona, Steven Gerrard, Roy Keane showed the ePL finals, “It has been a long ride to get here and
and Frank Lampard all took their as well as Sky Sports, I’m so happy to be able to call myself
place in the Hall of Fame in 2021. BT Sport and BBC ePremier League champion,” he said. “I
Sport in the UK have done a lot of work on the mental
side of my game and it’s paid off.”
An expanding Fantasy world This year’s finals were hosted from the
Gfinity Arena in London as gameplay
The popularity of Fantasy Premier Fans in India were able to take took place remotely for the second To coincide with the start of
League (FPL) continued to grow part in the Star Sports Cup, the season running due to the COVID-19 ePL China, the Premier League
in 2020/21, with a record 8.2m first bespoke FPL cup competition pandemic. The tournament’s growing launched an official channel on
managers, a 10 per cent increase introduced for one of the League’s popularity was evident, with the video-sharing platform Bilibili,
on the previous season. international broadcast partners. finals broadcast live in the UK by Sky providing fans in the country with a
Chelsea’s winning ePL China Sports, BT Sport and BBC Sport, as range of long-form video content.
An inspired decision to captain With Star Sports promoting the players Tu Dekang and Xu Ye well as being shown around the world
Liverpool’s Sadio Mané on a dramatic tournament, 262,144 fans in the This came after the Premier
final day helped Irish manager Michael country took part, which represents League was named the No 1
Coone become FPL champion, with almost all the Indian FPL players. online European league in China
8.2m
his Teddy Bears Utd side earning the for the third successive year in
highest-ever score of 2,680 points. Following a successful first the Red Card report, as well
outing, this will provide the as becoming the most-viewed
A record number The global appeal of the game was blueprint for similar competitions football account on Douyin, the
of Fantasy Premier evident once again, with 70 per cent run in conjunction with other Chinese version of popular video-
League managers of FPL managers living outside the UK. international broadcast partners. led social media platform TikTok.
24 25“In donating our Centenary
Pavilion as a vaccination
centre for Leeds, along
with a cohort of volunteer
Leeds United staff to assist
with stewarding, we have
played our part in helping
our city return to normality
as quickly as possible. We
are proud to have been
able to support the
A force
national vaccine effort.”
Angus Kinnear
CEO, Leeds United
for good
The role of Premier League clubs within their
communities is always important and that
special connection has been particularly
vital during COVID-challenged times
26 The Communities 27Serving the Stadium support for the NHS
Tottenham Hotspur welcomed which was a thank you to the
community NHS staff from both the North
Middlesex University Hospital
and Whittington Hospital to their
medical staff who have continued
to support the local community
during the pandemic.
Premier League clubs continued to play a key stadium in May, giving them the
opportunity to play on the pitch. Tottenham Hotspur and their
role in society by bringing much-needed support
partners’ ongoing help for both
and relief to their local region in times of need Club legends Gary Mabbutt and hospitals during COVID-19 included
Ossie Ardiles took charge of the North Middlesex moving its
hospital teams for the activity, Women’s Outpatient Services to
the stadium in April 2020. That
service alone saw more than 41,500
Providing food and education resources appointments delivered at the
stadium.
In January, the Wolves Foundation they have everything they need. Not
launched their Feed Our Pack only food, but education resources The on-pitch activity saw North
initiative, with the aim of helping and physical activity opportunities, Middlesex run out 4-3 winners
to reduce the effects of food when restrictions allow.” and Sonny Driver, captain of
poverty and to support residents of North Middlesex University
Wolverhampton impacted by the Club captain and Wolves Foundation Hospital, said: “The past year has
COVID-19 pandemic. ambassador Conor Coady helped no doubt been a challenge but
staff with the assembly of food having the opportunity to step
Funded by a £250,000 grant from packages at Molineux and said: “This away and play on an iconic pitch
the Premier League PFA Community goes to show how important this which is home to football legends
Fund and a personal donation from football club is in the city and how was an incredible experience –
Head Coach Nuno Espirito Santo, the important the city is to the football one that we will never forget.”
activity supports local food banks and club.
ensures children most in need receive
meals outside of term-time “We are lucky to get to play football
to combat ‘holiday hunger’. during the pandemic when other Connecting generations
people can’t go to work and can’t do
Head of Wolves Foundation Will things that they want to do. The Saints As One campaign
14,000+ Clowes said: “The simple objective
is to increase the volume of food “We understand the privileges we
launched in 2020/21 to demonstrate
Southampton and Saints
Meals provided to distributed through the food banks. have got, so if there is anything we can Foundation’s ongoing support for
those in need through Then from a school point of view, it’s do to give back, like with the Wolves their community, most notably for
the Feed Our Pack working closely with families during Foundation and this project, then we isolated or vulnerable people during
initiative these difficult times, to make sure will always do our best to help.” the pandemic.
Over the festive period, as part
of their continued outreach work,
the Foundation sought to connect
generations. Pupils on the Premier
League Primary Stars programme at
Foundry Lane Primary School were coronavirus but hopefully you can
encouraged to create and share see them soon. Please remember
homemade Christmas cards with to be happy even when you’re not
participants on the Senior Saints because you are amazing!’
programme.
Through the campaign more than
As part of one of their weekly 88,000 minutes of one-to-one calls
check-in calls, the Senior Saints with older adults have also taken
group shared their cards and the place. This activity is just one of the
heartfelt messages from the children. ways in which Saints Foundation
‘Dear Jenny,’ one wrote, ‘I know you stayed connected to those in their
can’t see your family because of community during the pandemic.
28 The Communities 29Inspiring the Positive role model
next generation Premier League Inspires launched
in 2019 with the mission of inspiring
children and young people to
competitive, and sometimes that
spilled over into the classroom, but
it’s a totally different story now. He’s
develop the personal skills and matured and Inspires has helped
COVID-19 lockdowns affected the education of many young people but positive attitudes to succeed in him work much better as a team
the Premier League and our clubs continued to support families and life. It uses the power of football to member and his behaviour issues
teachers with innovative and exciting content to aid home-learning support marginalised or vulnerable have considerably dropped.”
11-to-25-year-olds through the
education system and early Franklyn has seen the change in
Discussions on diversity adulthood. himself too. “Inspires helped me
enjoy school more,” he explained.
Education around diversity remains This season, 31 Premier League and “Since I’ve been on Inspires my
a vital part of the work delivered EFL club community organisations behaviour has got better and my
through the No Room For Racism have run Inspires sessions at their communication is better as well. It
Action Plan. stadiums, or in local schools or feels good to be seen as a positive
education settings. role model.”
In October, a new suite of free
resources and videos around race, Mr Thomas, a teacher at Elmgreen
heritage and allyship were released School in West Norwood, London,
to encourage conversation among says the scheme has been a massive
primary school-aged children. help to his pupil Franklyn (right),
12,410
who has been having one-to-one
The videos included players’ own sessions with Fulham FC Foundation
experiences of discrimination and Inspires coach Richard Morris.
the support they have had from Hours of targeted
others when faced with this. support through “Last year we had a few issues with
Premier League Franklyn struggling to work with
One of the players to take part was Inspires in 2020/21 others,” said Mr Thomas. “He’s very
Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury
(right), who said: “Not everyone’s
cultures are the same but it’s okay
to be different. I feel that was very
much a big part of my upbringing. A decade of community support
It’s okay to be who you are and it’s
everyone’s duty to accept that.”
The Premier League celebrated the League Kicks sessions, run by The
positive impact of football clubs in Albion Foundation, and his social
their communities when the Premier skills and self-confidence have
League Charitable Fund (PLCF) both improved dramatically since
Check-in with Chelsea marked its 10-year anniversary becoming involved.
during 2020/21.
Ryan has been named the winner
The Chelsea Foundation launched while encouraging them to take
The PLCF was established in 2010 of The Albion Foundation’s Kicks
their Check-In programme to part in daily physical activity.
50,000+
Teachers engaged
support the wellbeing of children
who had been learning remotely One of the schools working with
to distribute funding provided by
the Premier League to professional
football club community
Participant Award and continues
to regularly benefit from the
programme.
during lockdowns and were the Chelsea Foundation was Holy
organisations across England and
with Premier League returning to the classroom. Cross Primary in Fulham. Teacher
1.5m+
Wales, supporting them in their Ajay Gill, Ryan’s PL Kicks coach at The
Primary Stars Anna Banner said: “The children
delivery of local outreach initiatives. Albion Foundation, said: “Being at the
The sessions, run as part of Chelsea’s have loved the sessions. Some of the
Kicks session has brought him outside
Premier League Primary Stars tasks covered things we had learned
People have benefited One young person who has been of his comfort zone. He’ll turn up and
delivery, enabled pupils to ‘check-in’ previously so it was nice for the
from provision and involved in these initiatives is Ryan interact with people that perhaps
with a member of Foundation children to recap and feel that they
involvement in Johnson, a huge West Bromwich he wouldn’t normally have the
staff who supported them with were able to complete the tasks, but
For more information visit Premier League-funded Albion supporter. Ryan has become opportunity to in his day-to-day life
their return to full-time education, also to take their learning further.”
www.PLPrimaryStars.com community programmes a regular attendee at the Premier and he does that fantastically well.”
30 The Communities 31You can also read
