Return of fans in football

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport have submit a plan that includes the return of fans in football grounds to watch football as soon as next month.

The Government are yet to make a decision on the subject, but the situation seems encouraging and the verdicts seems promising.  There is a possibility that fans will be allowed into stadiums based in tier 2 locations.

The football industry has been without supporters in the UK since March - when the first lockdown was confirmed - and clubs from all over the country are suffering massively because of losing their match day income.

Several footballing figures have made statements on the subject, with David Moyes being one of them; the West Ham boss was left frustrated and confused about their game with Manchester City. The manager made a statement regarding the fact fans could watch the game in an indoor cinema a ten minute walk away from the ground. 

The return of the fans would give the clubs a much needed addition to the bank, after the financial infrastructure of many clubs has been shattered by the Coronavirus pandemic. Although Boris Johnson revealed there would be a ‘Football Bailout’ to help the clubs recover from the pandemic, it is likely this payment will not be enough to cover all the financial problems caused over the past few months. 

In August, Brighton hosted a socially distanced preseason friendly against Chelsea. With 2,524 entering the stadium. A successful encounter on all accounts. Leaving the question of why can’t fans return in December?