WE’RE BACK IN THE GAME!
Football fans return to stands after months watching at home
AFTER months of having to watch games on TV, football fans were allowed back through the turnstiles at the weekend.
Supporters of non-league Ashton United were treated to a goal laden pre-season friendly against League One outfit Swindon Town, managed by ex-Manchester United and Oldham Athletic player Richie Wellens.
Under government guidance, fans are now allowed to attend football matches in the seventh tier of the game and below.
Fans will still be unable to attend elite sport at grounds such as Old Trafford or the Etihad until at least October 1.
The changes came after MPs wrote to the Government urging them to act, to help non-league clubs who have struggled during the pandemic.
Pictures from the game, which Ashton United won 4-3 at Hurst Cross, showed fans having to socially distance and use hand sanitiser.
The club has had to publish coronavirus risk assessments and guidance.
A maximum of 300 fans were allowed to attend the game, with the usual capacity being more than 4,000.
Tickets were only available online, so the club could comply with track and trace guidelines.
A one-way system was in use around the ground, and seating in the stands was taped off so social distancing was observed.
It’s been testing times for everyone, we’re getting new rules through Ashton United manager Michael Clegg
After the game, Ashton United manager Michael Clegg told the club’s YouTube channel: “I was really proud of how as a club we’ve conducted ourselves, not just on the pitch, but off the pitch.
“It has been testing times for everyone. We’re getting new rules through, the subs have to sit in the stand, their subs do, there’s only so many allowed in the changing room.”
Well supported non-league clubs such as FC United of Manchester have been critical of the ‘one size fits all’ proposals on allowing fans back into nonleague games.
FC United, who were chasing promotion when their season was cancelled, say they would be able to cater for more fans safely but are unable to due to the current rules from the Government and the Football Association. Clubs are initially able to allow in 15 per cent of the league’s minimum capacity, which is 1,950. This will rise to 30pc by the end of the month, allowing 600 fans to attend.