Hearn believes Premier League will begin behind closed doors: "You don't want it running right through summer"

Barry Hearn has revealed that he believes the Premier League will begin behind closed doors when it returns in the coming months.

The initial start has been delayed due to the potential for fans to return and for Hearn while that is still the case, the nature of the calendar means at least some of the dates will need to be played without a crowd.

“I feel it has to be [behind closed doors]. We can’t take the chance. Every time you wait for something, something else happens and you’ve got a disaster on your hands," said Hearn to Online Darts.

“We’re probably looking at the end of March time. You don’t want it running right through summer."

“I’d love to say we’ll be back in front of a live crowd. April may be a little bit early, but at some stage during the Premier League we will have a chance to put live crowds back in.”

Hearn also discussed the rumours that were going around that Raymond van Barneveld would be picked for that final 10th spot which the Chairman quashed.

“I’ve heard rumours about Raymond van Barneveld, absolute load of rubbish. He never ever ever was in any consideration, because it would not be fair on the 128 who qualified for the tour.”