Waiting game for footy fans
STOKE City and Port Vale are waiting to see how they will be affected after the Prime Minister announced supporters will be allowed to return to games from next month - but only in some areas.
Up to 4,000 supporters will be allowed in the lowest risk areas when lockdown in England ends on December 2. That maximum falls to 2,000 in Tier Two areas, but supporters will not be allowed in Tier Three.
So, Stoke and Vale must wait to see in which tier Stoke-on-trent is placed when the current four-week lockdown ends.
The government will announce on Thursday which tiers particular areas are being placed in.
Port Vale say: “While we welcome the news of the potential return of fans to football stadia, we await further clarification to see how this impacts the club. Updates will be provided and we can’t wait to see you back at Vale Park.”
Clubs in the Premier League, EFL, National League and National Leagues North and South haven’t played in front of supporters since March.
Meanwhile, the government has suggested that grassroots sport will be able to take place in all areas.
Boris Johnson said in a statement to the House of Commons: “Spectator sports and business events will be free to resume inside and outside with capacity limits and social distancing, providing more consistency with indoor performances in theatres and concert halls.”
He did not confirm the capacity limits or percentages, but culture secretary Oliver Dowden later outlined in a tweet that 4,000 spectators or 50 per cent capacity limits - whichever is lowest - would be in place in Tier One, dropping to 2,000 or 50 per cent for indoor venues, while in Tier Two it will be 2,000 outdoors and 1,000 indoors, or 50 per cent capacity.
Dowden wrote on Twitter: “Sports fans back in stadia from 2nd Dec 4K or 50% of capacity in Tier 1, 2K or 50% of capacity in Tier 2.
“A big step forward for fans as we work towards fuller capacities.
“Thanks to pilot hosts & fans for showing this can be done safely.”
Johnson also said outdoor grassroots sports and indoor sports facilities would be able to reopen.
Spectators had been due to be allowed to return to stadiums from October 1 but the Government pressed pause on that decision due to a rise in infections nationwide.
Dowden said last week there was “definitely a chance” of some venues being able to reopen on a limited basis by Christmas in the areas with the lowest infection rates.
Last Thursday the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announced a £300m ‘Winter Survival Package’ of loans and grants to sports which are facing financial losses as a result of the absence of fans from stadiums.
Grassroots sport has been forced to pause since November 5 when the second lockdown came into force, a decision which led to protests and even parliamentary debates over whether certain activities and pastimes should be made exempt.
Dowden tweeted on Monday afternoon: “Grassroots sport back on to help the nation stay fit & healthy.
“Gyms open & amateur sport back on. Kids team sport open in all areas.
“Some mitigations for high contact sports & adults sport indoors.”
In an official statement issued via the DCMS, he added: “This is a big step forward for sport.
“Bringing grassroots sport back was my number one priority so I’m pleased we are reopening sports and gyms in every tier.
“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.
“I’m confident sports will take every step to ensure their fans are safe.”