Supporters may be back in stadiums by October Welcome news for local clubs as pilot schemes are about to begin at sports events

WESTCOUNTRY football fans could be back inside stadiums, cheering on their team, from October following an announcement yesterday from Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Crowds are set to be able to attend specific sporting events later this month for the first time since March. Although football is not included in the pilot events, the government plans for a socially-distanced return of spectators to sports stadia by October.

The World Snooker Championship, the Glorious Goodwood horse racing festival and two county cricket friendly matches have been selected for the trial.

If the tests prove successful, the government is hoping to allow a restricted number of spectators to return to sports venues from October 1.

Premier League matches have been played behind closed doors since action resumed on June 17 due to coronavirus restrictions.

But to supporters of Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City and Torquay United, October looks like being the time that fans will be allowed back to watch their team as clubs gear up for a potential return with the 2010/21 EFL season expected to commence on September 12.

“We will pilot larger gatherings in venues like sports stadiums with a view to a wider reopening in the autumn,” said Johnson, in a press conference from Downing Street on Friday. “From October, we intend to bring back audiences in stadiums.

“Again, these changes must be done in a Covid-secure way, subject to the successful outcome of pilots.”

The Prime Minister’s plan is sure to be welcomed by sports fans up and down the country and the Sports Minister, Nigel Huddleston, has welcomed the news.

“For months, millions of us have felt the void of being unable to go to the match to support our team or attend a top-class sporting event,” he said. “So I am pleased that we are now able to move forward with a plan to help venues safely reopen their doors to fans.

“I recognise that not every sport, team or club has the benefit of huge commercial revenue, and it is often their dedicated fans that are the lifeblood which helps keep them going. By working closely with sports and medical experts, these pilots will help ensure the safe return of fans to stadiums.

“Although it will remain some time before venues are full to capacity, this is a major step in the right direction for the resumption of live spectator sport across the country.”

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport also said further pilot events are likely to be held in other sports.

In order for fans to return to stadiums, the government has outlined operating guidelines that state:

- Fans must agree to a new code of behaviour that includes not attending if they potentially have symptoms of coronavirus or have been exposed to a person who has tested positive;

- Social distancing must be observed in seating arrangements;

- Crowd management plans should be in place, including the controlled entry and exit of fans and one-way systems;

- Additional hygiene facilities should be installed inside venues, particularly at entrances and exits;

- Screening procedures should be considered at stadium entrances.