Matches in the English men’s professional leagues will welcome paying spectators for the first time since March this weekend as the EFL carries out seven pilot events.
Clubs are desperate to get fans safely back into stadiums as soon as possible amid the coronavirus pandemic, with a decision expected from the government next week on whether sports venues can readmit spectators on a socially-distanced basis from October 1.
Here the PA news agency sheds some light on what those attending this weekend might experience.
Which games are we talking about?
We’re delighted to confirm that 1,000 of our season ticket holders will be able to attend this weekend’s match against Preston! ?
Application details and all you need to know ⬇️
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) September 16, 2020
There are two matches in the Championship, three in League One and two in League Two – Middlesbrough v Bournemouth, Norwich v Preston, Blackpool v Swindon, Charlton v Doncaster, Shrewsbury v Northampton, Forest Green v Bradford and Carlisle v Southend.
How many fans will be allowed in?
NEWS: Sport pilots to be reduced in capacity.
We will also keep under review plans whether fans can return to sports stadia from 1 October and if people can attend socially distanced business conferences and events from that datehttps://t.co/DUDoZ9j3YL pic.twitter.com/KJ9B7Abp7v
— DCMS (@DCMS) September 9, 2020
The government has capped capacity at pilot events at 1,000, regardless of the size of the venue. Each club that has so far published information and is still going ahead has said the intention is to go up to the maximum allowed.
Will they be spread out across the whole ground, or contained in one stand?
Are face coverings mandatory?
What about singing and chanting?
What other differences might fans notice compared to March?
Will arrival and departure times be staggered?
Anything else?
Will there be more test matches in the EFL?
Statement following meeting with Oliver Dowden – Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. #EFL https://t.co/8pwKxwwZpm
— EFL Communications (@EFL_Comms) September 16, 2020
It is understood that entirely depends on how successful these matches prove to be. The games will be reviewed by government and the league, at which point matches for the weekend of September 26 and 27 might be given the green light.
What about the Premier League?
