Fans ‘may return to stadiums for Christmas games’
GOVT PROPOSALS OFFER HOPE TO LEICESTER SUPPORTERS
LEICESTER City supporters could be returning to the King Power Stadium sooner than expected, writes Bobby Vincent.
The Government is considering a surprise plan to allow small groups of fans back at Premier League and Football League stadiums by Christmas.
Widespread reports say Downing Street is contemplating the new blueprint as part of the post-lockdown restrictions.
When Boris Johnson announced the second national lockdown of the year, he said things would return to normal on December 2, when the lockdown is lifted.
Proposals considered by the Government after meetings with the Cabinet Office and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport were originally only going to be carried out in Tier 1 areas.
However, if the plan goes well, there is a possibility that fans will be allowed into stadiums based in Tier 2 locations.
City supporters have not been able to attend any of their club’s matches since a 4-0 home win over Aston Villa in March before the first lockdow.
Clubs across the country are suffering massively as a result of losing their matchday income.
Football fans have become increasingly frustrated that, in some industries, spectators are allowed inside a venue - even if it is located inside.
The Football Supporters’ Association, referring to arts venues like the London Palladium having 5,000 spectators back in October, claimed there was “zero logic” in this.
This is something that Oliver Dowden, who is the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, acknowledged.
If these blueprints do come to fruition, it will be a massive step towards football returning to what it used to be like pre-pandemic.