AFC Bournemouth
First-team goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has spoken about the importance of supporters staying away from the stadium this weekend.
After a three-month gap, the Cherries will return to Premier League action when Crystal Palace visit Vitality Stadium for a 7.45pm kick-off on Saturday evening.
With all remaining fixtures to be played behind closed doors, fans are reminded not to travel to the ground, which has strict measures in place to ensure the safety of players, staff and match officials.
It’s almost time to feel the excitement again 🎉
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As we approach kick-off, remember, we all have a part to play
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Ramsdale has emphasised the importance of watching from home for the remainder of the season and warned of the risks that come with travelling to the stadium.
“We all know the rules that have been put in place,” he began.
“It’d be detrimental if the fans came to the stadium to get pictures and signatures, and it would obviously be hard not going over to see the people you adore and who support you.
“If something were to happen to one of the players and that came as a result of people breaking the rules, it’d kill us as a team and the fans who turned up wouldn’t want that either.
“I think the best way they can help is by supporting their hearts out at home and, when the time is right, they can then pile back into the stadium.
“For now, we all know rules and we just need to stick to them and get through this period together.”
Interviews
Eddie Howe's stay at home message
Steve Wilson of the BBC, who will commentate on Saturday’s game with Crystal Palace, the first ever Premier League fixture to be broadcast live on the channel, also stressed to afcbTV the importance of supporters staying at home and watching from the comfort of their own sofas.
“It is crucial. We are testing the water here and it’s not a given that the government will allow it to continue, so it has to go well,” he said.
“If people do start congregating outside stadiums, it gives issues with policing and stewarding.
“Restarts can be stopped again and if it does stop again, for whatever reason, I don’t think it’ll start back up.
“Hard though it is, there is a responsibility of people to try and help us get through to the end of the season.”
