Lockdown eased in UK: Irish Cup final to admit 500 fans

July 29 – This Friday’s Irish Cup final between Ballymena United and Glentoran is set to be the first official football fixture played in front of spectators in the UK since lockdown in March.

Ballymena and Glentoran have both been allocated 250 tickets for the final at the National Stadium at Windsor Park after the Irish FA revealed last week that 500 supporters could attend the final.

Monday’s semi-finals were both played behind closed doors but the latest move follows the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in Northern Ireland with fans allowed to attend outdoor sports events.

Glentoran say they will provide all their tickets free of charge “as the Board of Directors wish to thank those volunteers who have worked tirelessly to help the club through the recent public health emergency and to reward as many of our loyal season ticket holders as possible”.

Ballymena have drawn a ballot amongst season ticket holders, match day staff and volunteers.

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