TIER WE GO
FINALLY... HERE’S SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT Fans get green light to return in 8 days
SPORT has been given the go- ahead to open its doors again when lockdown ends – and that means fans will be back at football grounds a week tomorrow.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed plans for up to 4,000 fans to return to watch live sport, meaning supporters in Tier 1 and 2 can go to matches and other sporting events both indoors and outdoors when the lockdown ends next week.
The English Football League was last night considering moving some of their fixtures from next Tuesday to the Wednesday to capitalise on the long- awaited return of fans.
Rugby, horse racing – including the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day – and the PDC World Darts Championships at
A lexandra Palace could all have fans allowed to attend.
Elite sport clubs and events hosted outdoors in Tier 1 locations will be able to welcome up to 4,000 fans or 50 per cent of stadium capacity, whichever is lower. In Tier 2 ( high alert) locations the cap is set at 2,000 supporters or 50 per cent of stadium capacity.
Indoor sporting events and fixtures in Tiers 1 and 2 locations will be able to host a maximum of 1,000 fans or 50 per cent of stadium capacity, whichever is lower. Tier 3 locations will not be allowed fans.
Ross Embleton ( inset), manager of League Two Leyton Orient, believes the decision could be a life- saver for some smaller clubs.
“It’s fantastic. It’s gold dust this, for some smaller club like ours,” he said.
“This could potentially be the difference between life or death for some clubs. This could be what keeps their heads above water.
“Not having fans there definitely impacts games. From a selfish point of view it means now we can have family and friends there for one thing. But what it can do for people’s mental well- being as well will be tremendous. People have missed their football so much.
“Obviously the financial repercussions will be immense. It will give football club owners, chairmen and boards a bit of breathing space.
“We have sold 3,500 season tickets despite this lockdown – our fans have been unbelievable.
“To be able to let up to 2,000 of them back in will be amazing.
“Without a doubt it is great news. You could say we have got used to playing without fans there – but that doesn’t mean we liked it.”
Speaking ahead of last night’s 1- 0 victory over Crystal Palace, Burnley manager Sean Dyche said: “Even if it is limited numbers, it brings that feel and that connection back. Hopefully it will build quickly after that. We have missed our fans.”
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This is a big step forward for sport. Bringing grassroots sport back was my No. 1 priority.
“I’m also delighted we are able to get the turnstiles turning sooner than expected, taking a cautious approach and starting with the lowest risk areas first.”
The EFL added: “It is an important step in achieving a return to normal, alongside it being crucial to addressing the significant revenue gap left by a lack of spectators and other revenue streams.”
However, the Premier League offered a word of caution, saying: “Our ambition remains to work with Government to increase attendance to more substantial levels.
“Until this can be done, many fans will be unable to attend games and our clubs will continue to operate at a financial loss.”