Let fans in and the Irish League canbebackinbusiness:kearney

COLERAINE manager Oran Kearney believes a 38-game Danske Bank Premiership season is possible in the next campaign if fans are allowed back into stadiums.

The 2019-2020 league season was suspended at the 31-game mark following the Covid-19 outbreak, but the picture is looking brighter now, with the NI Executive confirming yesterday that outdoor competitive games and sporting events can start again from tomorrow.

This covers both grassroots and professional competitive games and events and, although no spectators will be allowed, the Irish FA hope some fans will be able to attend the Irish Cup final on July 31.

Kearney’s men take on Ballymena United while Cliftonville face Glentoran in the semi-finals at Windsor Park on Monday, July 27.

The Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) have asked clubs for their views on next season, with a September start a possibility.

Clubs insists the domestic game is not sustainable without supporters and some have even argued a 50% capacity attendance would be required for a restart.

Kearney is hopeful fans will make a safe return to stadiums, allowing the Irish League to roar again.

“I’m trying to concentrate on what is in front of us, but my reading of it is that the majority of clubs acknowledge we need to put fans in there,” said the Bannsiders boss (left).

“The NI Executive will decide when fans can return. I don’t see a determination among clubs to play without supporters and some have expressed a desire to see 50% capacity.”