Fans return to stadiums in select EFL matches
The English Football League will stage pilots at select matches this weekend, following approval from the government, it has been announced.
The controversial decision to allow up to 1,000 fans into stadiums comes as the government enforces a ‘rule of six’ limit on both indoor and outdoor social gatherings.
EFL clubs were asked to put in requests by today in order for their plans to be approved and signed off in time.
Areas under local lockdown will not be considered.
In a letter to clubs this morning, the EFL’s head of policy John Nagle said:
“We cannot guarantee at this stage that all clubs that would like to stage a pilot will be given permission to do so, as only a limited number will be approved.
“We are still in discussions with regard to pilot matches on other dates.”
An EFL spokesman added that the organisation:
“Remains in discussions with the government about the pilot programme which may include a limited number of further pilot matches during September with capacity limited to 1,000.
“The League is clear in its view that social distancing can be applied safely in football stadia and that having crowds at matches is an absolutely essential part of helping to protect club finances, which remain under extreme pressure.
“Therefore, the successful delivery of further pilots will be an important step towards getting larger numbers of fans into grounds safely.”
Public responses to the controversial pilots have varied:
How on earth can this possibly be approved when government have made bold statements about no more than groups of 6?
— Graeme Butler (@Graeme_Butler85) September 15, 2020
Whilst that is brilliant, and without wanting to get “political”, what the actual f…
24 hours ago we were told you can’t have more than 6 people in a group and now upto 1000 can possibly go to the football 🤦♂️
— Pandamonium Fanzine (@Pandamonium1881) September 15, 2020
Sporting bodies including EFL and the Premier League have repeatedly expressed concerns over the financial impact of having empty venues.
A full review is to be launched from 1 October, when spectator numbers at pilot events may be increased.
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