English Premier League side Arsenal smashed Rapid Vienna 4-1 at the Emirates in Thursday's Europa League match, and that result was particularly memorable for 2,000 supporters.
As Kieran Canning wrote for Agence France-Presse (h/t Yahoo Sports), Arsenal became the first top-flight English club to welcome fans to a stadium in 270 days since the COVID-19 pandemic caused the temporary stoppages of football competitions around the world.
Under "Project Restart" guidelines, spectators were not permitted to venues when the Premier League resumed play in June to complete the 2019-20 season. The league remained behind closed doors from when the current campaign began in September through the first couple of days in December.
Per an ESPN story, London falls under Tier 2 government restrictions as it pertains to gatherings, meaning that the Emirates, which normally seats around 60,000 patrons, could be filled with 2,000 fans, most of whom wore face coverings and observed strict social distancing throughout the contest.
"I'm delighted to have fans back they make a huge difference," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explained after the match. "We had 2,000 but they were loud and they were supportive to the team so thanks to them for coming and making the effort."
Arsenal players showed their support by saluting those in attendance before kickoff:
Football is nothing without the fans...
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 3, 2020
Arsenal's players show the love to every single fan in attendance this evening.
Class pic.twitter.com/cQYGJAeJpz
Areas in Tier 3, such as Manchester and Birmingham, won't yet be permitted to allow any fans to matches per government guidelines.
2,000 spectators join us at the Emirates for live football this evening! @mrjakehumphrey gives us a quick tour on the first steps towards having fans back in English football stadiums...
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 3, 2020
Arsenal vs Rapid Vienna | 8pm, BT Sport 2 HD pic.twitter.com/AkTRloTdYd
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