Premier League clubs risk their future home fixtures being moved to neutral venues if fans congregate outside their stadiums, the Government have warned.
Police chiefs had previously called for at least six matches – including any game in which Liverpool could clinch the title – to be staged at a neutral location for fears of supporters gathering at grounds.
That plan was abandoned earlier this month following opposition from Liverpool and the other clubs implicated.
However, on the eve of the season's resumption, Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston has threatened to take teams' home advantage away again if their fans ignore police and Government advice.