September 24 – English Football League chairman Rick Parry has questioned the government’s decision to maintain a ban on fans from entering stadiums as a result of an increase in Covid-19.
Parry says the ruling, which is having a severe effect of finances, is “deeply frustrating”, adding that allowing pubs to remain open while stadiums are closed is “a little bizarre”.
The EFL held test events last week and all 72 clubs had hoped to welcome more spectators back on a socially distanced basis next month.
However, those plans have been scuppered after the government imposed new restrictions following a rise in coronavirus infections nationwide.
The league has warned its clubs will collectively lose £200 million in matchday revenue if the whole season has to be played behind closed doors.
“Over many months we have helped the government devise, refine and pilot stringent stadium protocols designed to keep supporters safe,” Parry told the BBC.
“Staging professional football matches is one of the most heavily regulated areas of crowd management and any supporters attending EFL fixtures, in vastly reduced numbers, would have been required to adhere to social distancing.
“We are deeply frustrated we will not be able to continue this work. As a matter of urgency, we need to understand what the government’s roadmap is for getting supporters back into stadiums as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.”
Prime minister Boris Johnson says the measures could last for six months but Parry declared: “It is imperative the financial issues facing our clubs are addressed quickly.
“It seems a little bizarre that you can still go into pubs and clubs and circulate, albeit you have to come out at 10pm.”
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