Wait to see if ‘Covid pass’ is needed

DERBY County fans returned to Pride Park Stadium for the first time since March 2020 when they watched Sunday’s pre-season friendly against Manchester United.

Fans will also be in attendance when the Rams take on Spanish side Real Betis on Wednesday, July 28 and tickets are currently on sale. Derby will kick off the new Championship campaign with a home game against Huddersfield Town on August 7.

However, according to the BBC, fans may soon need a “Covid pass” (also being referred to as a “vaccine passport”) to attend fixtures – possibly from the end of September.

It is said the UK Government is considering plans for those attending sports venues with capacities of about 20,000 or more to be required to show proof of full vaccination against coronavirus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke this week about the possibility for “mandate certification” for nightclubs and “other venues where large crowds gather”.

The BBC say it has not yet been determined what constitutes a large crowd or what type of venues this could apply to. They add indoor settings are expected to be treated differently to outdoors, while “sports organisations are known to be seeking clarity on the matter”.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail report: “The Government guidance applies to all sports, some of whom are less enthusiastic about the introduction of covid passes.

“Numerous EFL clubs have raised objections, arguing it will deprive them of young fans and hurt them financially. They are lobbying the Government for exemptions if clubs’ average crowds are below a certain figure.”