‘FANS WILL BE SAFE AT GAME'

EFL urges Government rethink

- John Lyons

THE clamour for football supporters to be allowed back into stadiums is growing with governing bodies, leagues, clubs and fans all throwing their weight behind the cause.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country earlier this year, fans have not been permitted to attend and games have taken place behind closed doors, apart from a sprinkling of pilot matches when a limited number of supporters were allowed to attend.

The EFL had hoped that fans would be allowed back into matches, albeit on a smaller scale than usual, this month. However, the Government pushed back from that idea after an increase in coronavirus cases and fears of a second wave.

And governing bodies were told last month that fans may not be able to return to watch live sporting events in England until the end of March at the earliest.

The loss of matchday ticket revenue, particularly in the lower divisions, could put clubs in danger of going out of business, unless a multi-million pound bailout can be agreed.