FANS BAN HITS SPORT FOR SIX
Sunday, had signalled the return of fans to some pilot sporting events. But the new restrictions on fans will be in place until at least August 15 – and the increase in Covid-19 cases could now threaten the hopes of Premier League chief executive Richard Masters to have some fans back at football next season, with the new campaign starting on September 12.
Johnson said yesterday: “Pilots of larger crowds at sports venues will not take place. Our assessment is that we should now squeeze that brake pedal in order to keep the virus under control.”
Adam Waterworth, Goodwood’s managing director, said: “It’s a big kick – a big kick. It’s cost us six figures. But it was never about the money. This was a pilot for the whole of sport.”
Surrey’s cricket match with Middlesex at the Kia Oval had been due to host up to 2,500 fans this weekend after a successful pilot friendly last week.
And Warwickshire’s match against Northamptonshire at Edgbaston was also hit. A spokesman for the England andWales Cricket Board said: “We understand the reasons the Government has made this decision and remain ready to work with them to ensure supporters can safely return to stadiums when Government advice allows.”
England’s first Test against Pakistan next week is expected to go ahead – despite Old Trafford being among the parts of Manchester affected by renewed lockdown. Snooker boss Barry Hearn put the loss to the World Championships at about £2.5million.