Liverpool a step closer to title after behind-closed-doors games cleared

The English and Scottish Football Associations have been granted permission to remove the traditional 15:00 blackout by European football's governing body.

The move would appear to be another step towards matches being played behind closed doors in order to complete the season after the coronavirus pandemic caused mass postponements across league and cup competitions.

A UEFA statement read: "Taking into account the current exceptional circumstances, UEFA has lifted the 'blocked hours' protection granted to the UEFA Member Associations for England and Scotland for the remainder of the 2019/20 football season, following requests from the relevant National Associations as a result of measures taken in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic."

It was confirmed on Friday that professional football would not return at the start of May, with a restart date being kept under constant review.