Drakeford: Wales will await results of England’s stadium trials

FIRST Minister Mark Drakeford has revealed the Welsh Government will scrutinise the results of proposed pilot schemes in England before considering allowing crowds into sports stadiums in Wales.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier announced he wants to see fans back at grounds across the border from October.

But Mr Drakeford, speaking at a later press conference yesterday, adopted a more cautious approach.

He said: “Professional sport is being played in stadiums within Wales but without anybody there to watch.”

His words mean supporters of Welsh rugby clubs and football clubs, including Cardiff City and Swansea City, will be keeping a close eye on any developments which would see them able to attend matches.

There could even be a situation where clubs in England are permitted to open their doors to spectators but not at Cardiff City Stadium, Swansea’s Liberty Stadium or Newport’s Rodney Parade, meaning their rivals would have a significant advantage over them, both financially in being able to sell tickets and also with regards to the morale boost fans can bring.

Mr Johnson had said: “We will restart indoor performances to a live audience, subject to the success of pilots, and we will also pilot larger gatherings in venues like sport stadia, with a view to a wider reopening in the autumn.

“From October we intend to bring back audiences in stadia and allow conferences and other business events to recommence, again these changes must be done in a Covid-secure way subject to the successful outcome of pilots.”

The upcoming World Snooker Championship on July 31 in Sheffield, the Glorious Goodwood horse racing festival and men’s county cricket are set to be among the pilot events.

Sky Sports report that Surrey’s friendly with Middlesex on July 26 and 27 is the cricket matches to have been earmarked.

But Mr Drakeford responded: “We [Welsh Government] haven’t had discussions yet about bringing large crowds of people back together.

“It wouldn’t be sensible to be doing that given the state the coronavirus has been in here in Wales. I have spoken to Michael Gove [Cabinet Office Minister] about that and reached an agreement we will learn with them from the results of those pilots. If the pilots demonstrate it is safe to bring people back as spectators to stadium then of course we will consider that very carefully in Wales.”