Positive News For Sport - The Return Of Fans Looks To Be On The Horizon
Updated 18:00 on 23/11/2020.
A new updated three tier system is to be put in place with a maximum of 4,000 socially-distanced fans set to be allowed at outdoor events in the lowest-risk areas. Up to 2,000 fans to be allowed in tier two areas but unfortunately still zero in tier three qualifying areas. The measures are set to be part of the new Covid-19 restrictions in England as we come out of lockdown on December 2nd. This will offer some more strings of positivity, with the latest vaccine tests also proving positive in the light of a dreadful year where the return of fans could be essential to ensuring the survival of many sporting institutions in Britain.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the announcement outlining the government's new measures and Covid-19 restrictions in England on Monday via video link to the House of Commons.
"In tiers one and two, spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing," said Johnson. "Later this week, we will announce which areas will fall into which tier - I hope on Thursday - based on analysis of cases in all age groups, especially the over-60s. Also, (it will involve) looking at the rate at which cases are rising or falling, the percentage of those tested in a local population who have Covid and current and projected pressures on the NHS."
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden added, "This is a big step forward for sport. Bringing grassroots sport back was my number one priority, so I'm pleased we are reopening sports and gyms in every tier, in recognition of the significant health benefits. I'm also delighted we are able to get the turnstiles turning sooner than expected, taking a cautious approach and starting with the lowest-risk areas first. I'm confident that sports will take every step to ensure their fans are safe and fans will play their part and look out for each other until we can safely get everyone back in."
The English Football League (EFL) is looking at the possibility of shifting some of next week's fixtures to take advantage of the plan. The EFL has a full schedule of matches in the Championship, League One and League Two across 1 and 2 December.
No decisions have yet been taken but any club in a tier one or two area that requested a move from Tuesday to Wednesday is likely to receive a favourable response if there is no conflict with broadcasting requirements.
"Fans have always felt football should be treated the same as other sectors," said a Football Supporters' Association statement. "We welcome today's announcement, which does suggest that will be the case, and we look forward to seeing further details. For many lower-league and non-league clubs in particular, getting paying fans into stadiums safely is absolutely critical to their survival during a very difficult season. Clubs, leagues and the Sports Ground Safety Authority have worked hard to put in procedures to make stadiums safe places and we hope this is the first step on the road back to normality."
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said there will be "some restrictions on highest-risk activity in tier three areas… Spectators at non-elite sports will be able to attend events in line with Covid-secure guidance for each tier."
