Covid Pass reminder for fans before derby

FANS hoping to attend the South Wales derby between Swansea City and Cardiff later this month will need an NHS Covid Pass.

The game at the Swansea.com Stadium on October 17 will be the first fixture involving the two sides to come under the new legislation, which was passed following a Welsh Government vote on Tuesday.

Under the new rules, anyone over the age of 18 attending an event in Wales with more than 10,000 people in attendance from October 11 must offer proof of full vaccination, or a negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours.

The legislation is likely to affect almost all professional sport in Wales.

Fans that have been fully vaccinated can already download their NHS Covid Pass, which will then be presented in the form of a QR code, or alternatively they can obtain a paper copy ahead of the game.

Swansea have confirmed that they will be opening the gates for fans two hours before kick-off, which has been pencilled in for 12 noon, in a bid to offer any necessary assistance to supporters.

Confirming the news, Swansea said: “The club acknowledges that the new regulations may present challenges for some supporters and we encourage fans to prepare themselves in advance.

“To assist with this, supporters are asked to review the information on www.swanseacity. com/covid-pass ahead of the next game. This web page will be updated with all of the latest information.”

Swansea have confirmed that home fans can snap up their seat for the big game from £25, with Jack Army members handed priority.

Meanwhile, midfielder Ryan Yates says Nottingham Forest are fully feeling the new manager bounce following Steve Cooper’s arrival at the club.

The City Ground outfit have collected 10 points from the 12 on offer since parting company with Chris Hughton last month.

It means Forest are now level with Swansea on 11 points after 11 matches of the 2021-22 campaign. And Yates believes Forest’s improvement under former Swans boss Cooper is there for all to see.

“It’s just exciting to be part of. I have learned things in two weeks which have helped develop me into a better player,” he told our sister title Nottinghamshirelive.

“We’re not getting carried away. We’ve just got to ride the wave and keep improving.

“I am just excited to see how far we can go as a team. I’m learning so much at the minute.”