Premier League remains the "most competitive league in Europe" - MastersRichard Masters, the chief executive of the Premier League, stated that it remains Europe's "most competitive league".Masters dismissed the notion that England's elite clubs are leaving the division.Champions Manchester City was 20 points ahead of fifth last season, with Liverpool being 37 points higher than fifth when they were at the top in 2019-20.Masters said, "I don’t believe that is the case." Masters was asked if there was a wider gap between top clubs and the rest."It has not been proved yet."Masters, who was appointed to the Premier League's position in December 2019, said: "I expect this season to be competive and there is a chasing pack for clubs who want to go to those European places.We know how important this can be to your financial future and overall financial health. The Premier League is Europe's most competitive league. We want it to remain that way. It is what it is."Masters spoke with Simon Stone, BBC Sport, two days before the 2021-22 Premier League season. He discussed topics such as players taking the knee and online racism, returning fans to stadiums, and Covid-19 protocols.Premier League newcomers Brentford will open the curtains on their new campaign on Friday when they welcome Arsenal into the Brentford Community Stadium. There are approximately 300,000 people expected to attend the 10-match opening programme.Masters described the momentous occasion as "a momentous.""We all look forward to it. Many people have worked hard to get here.It does feel like a return to normalcy. Safety will always come first. We will continue to be cautious."Players want the knee"When the Premier League was returning from its 100-day pandemic-enforced hiatus, players began to kneel in solidarity with Black Lives Matter in June 2020.In February however, Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zha stated that he would no longer take the knee and described the gesture as "degrading".Zaha's decision was made less than one week after Brentford had said that they would cease because the gesture had lost it's impact. Meanwhile, sections of England fansbooed players who took a knee at Euro 2020.Masters said that he doesn't understand why anyone would object to the knee or boo it.He stated, "We have made it clear that anti-discrimination has been a major priority for the Premier League.""We will not tolerate racism on our fields or online. Online abuse should not be accepted as part of professional footballer's lives."I believe that taking a knee is an extremely powerful and unifying symbol. We support the players' desire to do so and are glad to help them. It is absurd that anyone would object or boo this."I hope and expect that the overwhelming majority of supporters will support it. We'll wait to see what happens this weekend. It has been going for over a year now, obviously without any supporters."We don't worry about negative reactions because it is right."Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace forward, stated in February that he would no longer take his knees before matches"We must keep putting pressure upon social media companies"Masters said that the Premier League was working to eradicate online racism after England's players Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka were targeted in the aftermath of the Euro 2020 final.Masters stated, "We must keep putting pressure onto social media companies - We are doing as much possible.""We have a team that works with the police and clubs to track these abusive messages and identify those behind them. We also try to hold them accountable."We will keep trying to do that. The online safety bill is being introduced by the government. We also need their support to resolve this problem."Araucous atmosphere in safe surroundings"Last season was played in mostly empty stadiums. However, due to the ease of Covid-19 restrictions in England, larger attendances can be expected during the next campaign. Some clubs require proof of positive Covid-19 tests, or complete vaccination status, for some fans.Masters said that the Premier League is still waiting for "clear guidance from the government" regarding Covid-19 certifications. However, Masters stated that their primary goal is to create a "raucous environment in a safe atmosphere" with a new code, including signage, face masks, and other hygiene procedures.He said, "We are clearly working towards the possibility for Covid-19 certification at sometime in the fall.""That's what's happening at clubs right now. We are trying to prepare." Fans should expect some variation from normal procedures.Recognizing the possibility that virus outbreaks could disrupt the fixture schedule, he said: "We are keeping protocols in effect, at training grounds, and on matchday to try and prevent that transmission and minimize the chance of disruption."
