EPL faces backlash after introducing pay-per-view plan

There was plenty of criticism aimed at the Premier League after it was announced Friday that some matches would be aired on pay-per-view.

Fans took to social media to vent their frustration, as the hashtag #PremierLeagueisCorrupt trended on Twitter in the United Kingdom after the announcement.

The Premier League struck a deal with Sky Sport and BT Sport several months ago to televise all matches live until October after supporters were banned from attending contests due to the coronavirus pandemic.

After the deal expires, the extra five matches that weren't initially scheduled to be televised will now cost £14.95 per match to view them live.

That fee comes on top of standard subscription charges that some UK fans pay for both Sky Sport and BT Sport, which amounts to almost £60 a month.

It's also been noted the proposal could drive more fans to use illegal streams, while others say it might lead to large gatherings that would violate British coronavirus guidelines.

Former Manchester United defender and Sky Sports presenter Gary Neville tweeted: "This is a really bad move by the @premierleague to charge £14.95 for single matches that have been shown free for 6 months!"

The Premier League said clubs agreed to this "interim solution," with John Percy of The Telegraph reporting that Leicester City were the only club to vote against the proposal.

A statement from the Premier League read: "The agreement will be regularly reviewed in consultation with clubs and in line with any decisions made by Government regarding the return of spectators to stadiums.

"Football is not the same without supporters at matches. The Premier League and our clubs remain committed to the safe return of fans as soon as possible."

The Oct. 17 clashes between Chelsea and Southampton and Manchester United and Newcastle are scheduled to be the first matches to air on pay-per-view.