Virus fears over football crowds

The reopening of football stadiums with reduced crowd numbers is unlikely to help lower the risk of spreading Covid-19.

Researchers at the University of Reading claim that – without effective social distancing measures for fans before, during and after matches – rates of transmission will most probably not fall.

Analysis of the number of coronavirus cases and deaths following matches played in England's top eight divisions in the weeks prior to the 2019/20 season's suspension showed links to higher COVID-19 cases and deaths in the local area.

The study found there were on average about six additional cases, two additional deaths, and three additional excess deaths per match per 100,000 people in the areas the games were played, with similar increases in the areas the away teams came from.

Professor James Reade, a sports economist at the university and lead author of the study, said: "Our study backs up the view that reducing crowd sizes on its own is unlikely to lower the risk of spreading of the virus. "Even when stadiums are only partially filled, fans tend to pack together in groups. They also mix in bar areas, toilets, and queues, as well as in pubs, shops and restaurants. "This behaviour presents an effective route for airborne viruses to spread and is no less prevalent with smaller crowds.

"It must be noted that our findings linking cases and matches offer only observational evidence regarding the infection risk in undercapacity stadiums but pilot events will be essential to planning for the safe return of crowds to sporting events."