Fans return to English grounds, but no physical contact

LONDON: Fans will return to English Football League grounds on Wednesday with several clubs opening their doors to limited numbers, but the match-day experience will be far from what they are used to.

They will be greeted by one-way systems, temperature checks, strict entry times and minimal catering facilities while goal celebrations must be restrained.

Championship (second tier) clubs Luton Town and Wycombe Wanderers will signal the end of England’s national lockdown as they host Norwich City and Stoke City respectively.

Arsenal will be the first Premier League club to have fans for a competitive fixture since March when they host Rapid Vienna in the Europa League on Thursday.

Apart from a few pilot test events at some EFL fixtures in September, allowing 1,000 fans, England’s soccer stadiums have sat silent since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in March.

Luton and Wycombe are both in Tier 2 areas of the country, which under government guidelines means atendances of up to 2,000 are allowed at outdoor sporting events.

While it is a step towards sporting normality, the old routine of meeting with a bunch of mates for a pint and meal, then dashing into the ground five minutes before kickoff will be impossible under strict guidelines. Luton have limited their atendance to 1,000 ‘ambassadors’ selected from season ticket holders of at least 10 years.

“As with everything in our daily lives during 2020, all Haters should understand that the matchday experience will be very different to what you are used to pre-covid,” the club said in a message to fans.

Seats will be allocated by the club to ensure social distancing; health questionnaires and temperature checks must be completed and fans must adhere to selected arrival times.

Face coverings will be mandatory while at the final whistle, fans will exit one row at a time.

Wycombe will limit their atendance to 1,000 as they test out new measures to ensure a safe return for fans, although like Luton they hope to move to 2,000 for their next home game.

One-way systems will be in place around the stadium and while moving to and from their seats, fans must do so“back to back” from other supporters.

“Avoid hugs, high fives, handshakes, or other close contact with people who are not in your social bubble, take care when singing, chanting, or celebrating,” a code of conduct instructs fans on Wycombe’s website.