EFL CLUBS WELCOME BACK FANS TODAY... BUT ONLY IN INDOOR HOSPITALITY AREAS

EFL clubs are welcoming fans back into their stadium to watch games today... but only in indoor hospitality areas.

Middlesbrough are one of a handful of clubs who are legitimately using their bar and function rooms to allow fans to be at the Riverside Stadium for their clash with Reading.

However, in an example of how inconsistent the coronavirus restrictions have become, Neil Warnock’s side will play in front of empty seats... with fans watching on TV, socially distanced and with members of their own households.

Boro have confirmed the initiative will see them host dozens of fans and raise much needed income, and rivals are following suit.

Watford, Norwich and Milwall will all beam back away games and Boro are trialing it with staff for their home fixture.

While bar areas can remain open in most areas of the country, football clubs are not allowed fans to watch in the open air.

Culture secretary Oliver Dowden admitted there were “frustrations” at the “inconsistencies” this week. However large scale opening of stadia to a third of capacity which clubs have planned for is not expected anytime soon.

Warnock, whose side played in front of 1,000 in a test event last month, said: “We had a successful pilot game last month against Bournemouth. We didn’t have a problem. We had families together and it was safe and well organised, and the feedback was terrific.

“From a mental health perspective people need an outlet. The Government really needs to help out.

“I don’t know who’s making the decisions. Look at the crowds at the Albert Hall watching Arsene Wenger this week. That can happen but we can’t have fans at matches? Explain that to me.”