England Set To Allow Limited Number Of Fans Back Into Stadiums

Football fans in low-risk areas of England would be allowed into stadiums for the first time since March.

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Since professional football resumed in June, fans have been unable to attend games. Football games have been played behind closed doors ever since due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Plans to allow fans back into stadiums at the start of October were quickly postponed as a result of an upsurge in Covid-19 infections in the UK.

However, a new system announced by the government will allow supporters back into the stadium from December 2.

Uk Prime minister, Boris Johnson confirmed that the four-week national lockdown in England will end on Wednesday December 2. 

He revealed the government’s latest set of measures to reduce the spread of the virus and a new three-tiered system to replace the lockdown.

The new system is to be announced on Thursday by the government with each area grouped under tiers.

If a stadium falls under tier 1, the permitted capacity would be 4,000 socially distanced fans or half the maximum capacity of the stadium, depending on which is fewer.

Stadiums placed in the second tier will be permitted to hold 2,000 socially distanced fans or half their maximum capacity, whichever is fewer.

But stadiums placed in tier 3 will continue to hold games behind closed doors.

The premier league said in a statement: “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 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.   

“Premier League 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.”

The English Football League (EFL) also said in a statement that it welcomed the announcement.

“Whilst today’s news is subject to regional restrictions, it is an important step in achieving a return to normal, alongside it being crucial to addressing the significant revenue gap left by a lack of spectators and other revenue streams as a result of the pandemic,” read the statement.