Happy Monday
IT’S A DREAM DOUBLE... FANS BACK IN STADIUMS AND DRINKING IN THE PUB!
THERE will be plenty of people raising a glass tomorrow evening – not just to the reopening of pub interiors, but also to the return of spectators to live sport.
Barring a brief period in the winter, sports that would usually be witnessed by thousands at stadiums up and down the country were played out in eerie silence.
But, although the sight of full stadiums might have to wait for a good few months yet, allowing spectators through the turnstiles feels like a significant turning point.
Before March 2020, Peter Bolton (right, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer) had only missed two Manchester United matches since 1974 – one as a result of the 9/11 attacks and the other because of visa issues for a European tie.
He even missed his brother’s wedding to watch his beloved Reds.
Now, after 15 months of having to make do with watching matches on television, he will be at Old Trafford for the club’s clash with Fulham on Tuesday night.
“I just can’t wait to not have to listen to commentators any more,” he said, laughing. “I entered the ballot for a ticket and then checked my bank every half an hour to see if the payment had been taken.
“I was that desperate to get back into Old Trafford. It was like a sport in itself when I saw that the £30 had gone!
“There obviously won’t be as many people in there as anyone would like and there will be big gaps between us all, so it will still be very strange.
“It’s not just the football that people have missed, it’s the whole experience.
“The last game I saw was the derby when we beat City.
“Scott McTominay scored and the whole place went crazy, you had people falling over each other in celebration.
“That’s what football is all about. This week will be a big step forward, but roll on next season when, hopefully, the ground can be full again.”
There will be five rugby league matches with limited crowds on Monday evening, with St Helens, Warrington and Hull all planning to welcome spectators back.
The Championship play-offs at Bournemouth and Barnsley will also have spectators present.
Devoted followers of county cricket, meanwhile, will also be looking forward to clearing the diary and returning to the grounds which, for many, are home between April and September every year.
It is understood that limited numbers will be present at this week’s round of matches, starting with Hampshire’s match against Leicestershire at the Ageas Bowl on Wednesday. “Not being able to go to matches has left a big hole in a lot of people’s lives,” said Leicestershire CEO Sean Jarvis.
“I started this job 15 months ago and I’ve not seen a single spectator come through the gate.
“Getting supporters back in – not just in cricket, but across all sports – is another massive step to seeing some kind of normality returning.
“It’s great for the mental and physical health of those members who may have felt isolated and alone for so long.
“And, from a commercial perspective, it’s absolutely essential for all of the 18 counties.
“Of course, there’s going to be a lot of nervousness out there, but it’s up to us to make them feel reassured that we’re doing everything we can to keep people safe.”
The wait is almost over.
And the glasses are being charged.