SO, WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY...?

WHAT EXACTLY DID THE PRIME MINISTER SAY?

‘WE HAVE to acknowledge the spread of the virus is now affecting our ability to reopen large sporting events, so we will not be able to do this from October 1. I recognise the implications for our sports clubs, which are the life and soul of our communities. The Chancellor and Culture Secretary are working urgently on what we can do now to support them.’

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

In THE short term, it means none of the proposed trials to bring fans back will happen. The picture for the longer term is unclear, given the unpredictable nature of the pandemic. Overall, though, yesterday’s announcement was disastrous for sport.

I CAN GO TO A PUB AND SIT WITH OTHER GROUPS OF PEOPLE. WHY CAN’T I GO TO A STADIUM WITH A REDUCED CAPACITY?

THE issue with attending sporting events, the Government believes, is not the game itself but the whole experience, from leaving your house to returning. That includes your journey to and from the venue, queueing at the turnstile, the walk to your seat (or terrace) and any interactions while there — including visiting the bar or bathroom.

FOR WHICH CLUBS IS IT ESPECIALLY BAD NEWS?

SOME will feel the impact more than others but the equation is simple: those who rely on gate receipts to make up a large share of their revenue will be hardest hit. Thanks to the size of Tv deals and the vast commercial riches on offer, the Premier League will not feel the impact as much as those lower down the pecking order.

For clubs lower down, it will hit hard. The EFL estimate combined losses of £200million if there are no fans in grounds this season, which will take some absorbing.

It has long been feared that the pandemic will send some historic outfits out of business. This news will push some closer to the brink. Other sports — whose clubs rely on gate receipts — will also be reeling. The RFU is braced for a £50m loss in revenue. no crowds at the autumn internationals will be a savage blow across the sport. Premiership clubs have warned some will go bust by Christmas without crowds. Rugby league — already in debt to the Government — will suffer, given its reliance on gate receipts. Horseracing will also feel the pinch with no punters at the track.

ANY GOOD NEWS?

MR JOHNSON disclosed the Chancellor and Culture Secretary would be looking at what they can do to support at-risk clubs. With regards to professional men’s football, the Premier League will be urged to agree a bailout loan with the EFL. Support packages for other clubs in other sports will be discussed.

BACK TO SQUARE ONE?

PRETTY much. Some trials have been held and their results will be stored. But common sense suggests the return of fans is as far away as it has been since sport went behind closed doors, now winter is around the corner and the virus is on the march again.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

MR JOHNSON said these restrictions would stay in place for six months unless ‘palpable’ progress is made. In other words, fans are not coming back any time soon. That means those already in a perilous financial position need support. If not, they — notwithstanding decades of heritage and history — will vanish.