MP welcomes football fans’ return
SARA Britcliffe, MP for Hyndburn, has welcomed the news that fans will be returning to stadiums after lockdown ends on December 2.
The MP said she had been working with Accrington Stanley FC to see the return of fans to the Wham Stadium.
But as Hyndburn was in Tier three before lockdown, it is unlikely the area will be one of the ones chosen to see fans return - but Sara Britcliffe sees it as a step in the right direction.
The government outlined plans on Monday which will allow up to 4,000 spectators to outdoor events when lockdown in England ends next month.
In the scheme only 2,000 people will be allowed in Tier two with none allowed in Tier three.
The Hyndburn MP said she had been part of discussions in Westminster on plans to allow fans to return and allow those from further afield, like those in Rossendale, to come together and celebrate their love of football.
Highlighting the issue with ministers in discussions last week and at a Westminster Hall Debate she said how important it was for the future of smaller football clubs to get fans back in the grounds - saying it is just not sustainable to let clubs continue to lose money without giving them hope.
She said: “There are few places in most towns where the whole borough has the opportunity to gather and meet as a community for the same purpose, to watch the town team play football.
“Those are places where children, parents, grandparents and friends can come together.
“The heartbeat of every football club is its supporters.
Football clubs up and down the English Football League have been hit hard by the pandemic.
The League said they lost £50 million last season as a result of playing matches behind closed doors or curtailing the season and they stand to lose a further £200m this season should the whole season be played behind closed doors.
Sara Britcliffe said: “We have seen in recent years major financial problems at Bury FC and Wigan Athletic.
“If we are not to lose teams like Accrington Stanley from the football league, we need to get fans back in the stands cheering on their teams as they play and make sure that they receive the financial support that they need.