Sport fans can no longer watch their teams play
Devon’s move into Tier Three sees an end to spectators inside elite stadiums
IT was good while it lasted, but the announcement from the government yesterday that Devon is being placed into Tier Three means that Westcountry sports fans will no longer be allowed inside stadiums and sports grounds until further notice.
English and European champions Exeter Chiefs, and local football clubs such as Plymouth Argyle, Exeter City and Torquay United have all had spectators back inside their respective stadiums after the UK came out of a second lockdown at the start of December.
But as the new strain of Coronavirus continues to spread exponentially across the UK – record numbers of cases and deaths have been reported these past few days – Devon has been placed into Tier Three, meaning matches will be played behind closed doors once more and not in front of a capacity Covid-limited maximum crowd of 2,000, as they have this past month.
The news will also come as a blow to Plymouth Raiders basketball club, who had hoped to welcome a small number of fans back to the pavilions for their match with Leicester Riders on January 7.
Argyle said in a statement : “Of course, everyone associated with Argyle is disappointed with this development, but we appreciate the importance of overcoming this pandemic together.
“We thank the Green Army for their brilliant backing in the few games we were able to host supporters at the Theatre of Greens, as well as those who have continued to support Argyle through iFollow match passes, retail sales, and other contributions during this crisis.”
Exeter Chiefs said: “We will continue to review future fixtures after this time - including the Heineken Champions Cup clash with Toulouse on Saturday, January 16 - but the club will be bound by restrictions laid out by the authorities.
“Of course, everyone associated with the Chiefs are disappointed with this latest development, but we appreciate the importance of overcoming this pandemic together.”
Exeter City said: “As a club we respect the importance of public safety during these challenging times.
“Thank you to those supporters who have attended our matches against Northampton Town, Tranmere Rovers, Harrogate Town and Forest Green Rovers. It was great to have you back at the Park and hopefully it isn’t too long until you can return again.
“Thank you for your support and until we meet again, stay home and stay safe.”
The South West Peninsula League have also announced it is suspending all football until further notice. In a statement, they said:
“Whilst outdoor team sports are only banned under Tier 4, the restrictions on holding such matches in Tier 3 are such that it places a burden on cub officials, volunteers and supporters to the extent that it is impractical to fully comply without professional, trained staff, to ensure the law is complied with.
“Further, it is financially draining to incur the costs of staging matches without the normal income streams, which the restrictions mean are largely turned off.
“Taking into account all the above, and giving due consideration to all factors – such as the benefits of providing team sports to participants and the wider community – we have reluctantly, but unanimously agreed that all games under the control of the SWP League Ltd are suspended with immediate effect.
“The league will only recommence fixtures, and even then with further discussions, when both Devon & Cornwall are at the very least returned to Tier 2 Restrictions.
“All clubs will be given at least 7 clear days notice of the resumption of fixtures.”