The Return Of Fans Roundly Welcomed, Despite Concerns About Operating Losses
Fans will be allowed back in English stadiums from next week as part of guidelines that will be based on the government’s new tiered lockdown system.
The UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) confirmed on Monday that in Tier one areas 4,000 fans, or 50 per cent of the stadium capacity, will be allowed to attend.
In Tier two areas, the maximum attendance has been limited to 2,000, or 50 per cent of the stadium capacity. Indoor sporting events and fixtures in Tier one and Tier two will be able to host a maximum of 1,000 fans, or 50 per cent of capacity.
Venues in the highest-risk Tier three areas will still not be allowed to permit spectators.
The Premier League said in response: “Fans have been greatly missed at Premier League matches and therefore we welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement today regarding the return of supporters for the first time since March, albeit at small numbers. Our ambition remains to work with the Government to increase attendance to more substantial levels. Until this can be done, many fans will be unable to attend games and our clubs will continue to operate matches at a financial loss.
“Our priority continues to be the agreement of a roadmap, with DCMS and the Sports Technology and Innovation Group, for pilot events that can help our clubs quickly scale up to larger capacities in line with the Sports Ground Safety Authority’s COVID-secure guidelines and beyond.”
The League also said its clubs have “a proven track record of achieving high-biosecurity standards and we believe we can play a significant role in the Government’s rapid turnaround testing initiative. We look forward to working with Government on their next steps.”
On Thursday the government is expected to announce which areas will be allocated to each tier of the lockdown system, due to be introduced next week.
Chelsea Football Club added that “While the current guidelines mean that we will not yet be able to return to full capacity at Stamford Bridge, the Club continues to work on plans to accommodate as many fans as possible, as fairly as possible, and we appreciate supporter patience as we do so.”
Premiership Rugby chief executive, Darren Childs, supported the news, calling it a “welcome boost” for Premiership Rugby clubs and the wider sports sector. His organisation is set to receive £59million in Government support to cover matchday losses as part of the Winter Survival Package for sports.
He said in statement: “Our clubs have proved that when it is safe to do so they can bring fans back safely, with very successful pilot events at Harlequins and Gloucester Rugby.
“We won’t know the exact impact on our clubs until the tiers are announced on Thursday, so my team stands ready to work with Government to tackle the challenges of fan attendance in a way that minimises health risks.
“Keeping the league intact has been my number one priority during the pandemic and now we have the foundations from which to grow the game and build longer-term financial stability.”
Before the announcement, Daniel Levy, chairman of Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, said preparations had already been made for supporters coming back.
"Premier League clubs are entirely capable, similar to the experience in several other countries, of responsibly delivering outdoor events with social distancing, exemplary hygiene standards, qualified stewards, testing capabilities and diverse travel plans, operating in some of the most technologically advanced venues in the world," said Levy.
