Swans fans’ Liberty restored in pilot event
SWANSEA City will welcome fans back to the Liberty Stadium for the second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final clash with Barnsley.
Owing to the coronavirus pandemic, supporters have not attended a Swansea fixture since Steve Cooper’s men drew 0-0 with West Brom on March 7, 2020.
However, it has been confirmed that approximately 3,000 members of the Jack Army will be allowed to watch Swansea take on Barnsley at the Liberty on Saturday, May 22, as a major step is taken in the national plan out of Covid-19. Kick-off will be at 6.30pm.
Newport County’s play-off match against Forest Green Rovers on May 18 has also been selected as a pilot event, as well as Wales’ European Championships warm-up tie against Albania at Cardiff City Stadium on June 5, where 4,000 supporters will be allowed to attend. Glamorgan will allow 750-1,000 spectators to watch their clash with Lancashire between June 3-6 at Sophia Gardens.
All Swans tickets will be made free of charge to reward the loyalty of the fans who have continued to support the club during the pandemic.
Fans can only apply to attend with members of their household bubble who are current season ticket holders for the 2020-21 season, with one person within that household applying on their behalf. Those who meet the criteria will be able to apply for a maximum of four tickets.
The club has confirmed measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of those attending. There will be hand sanitising stations in the stadium at numerous points and face coverings will be mandatory.
The Swans booked their place in the play-offs with two games to spare, and on the final day of the regular season, it was confirmed they would take on Valerien Ismael’s troops over two legs for a place in the final.
The first meeting between the sides takes place at Oakwell on Monday, May 17. Kick-off is scheduled for 8.15pm.
Brentford will take on Bournemouth in the other play-off semi-final while the final will be held at Wembley on Saturday, May 29.
It has been confirmed that a select number of fans will be able to attend the home semi-final fixtures for each of the four sides involved in the playoffs. There will be no away supporters in attendance for any of the semifinal contests.
EFL chief executive and former Swansea chairman Trevor Birch recently stated the governing body was keen to ensure a level playing field when it came to Barnsley, Brentford, Bournemouth and the Swans hosting fans in the semi-finals.
“As a football club we are absolutely delighted to be able to welcome supporters back to the Liberty Stadium for the first sporting pilot event in Wales,” said Swansea City chief executive Julian Winter. “While we are aware that other clubs will be charging supporters for tickets at their games, we will be offering our tickets free of charge for our play-off semifinal. This is to thank all of those 202021 season ticket holders who left their monies in the club and supported us through the difficult times.”
Tickets for the home leg will only be available to 2020-21 season ticket holders who left their money in the club during the pandemic.
A ballot system will take place in due course.
Fans who entered the ballot will receive an email from the club on the morning of Wednesday, May 19, which will detail whether they have been successful or not.