The UK government is expected to meet with senior sports officials this week to discuss the return of fans to the ground, with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) hoping to announce something on October 1. Spectators will be welcomed.
Around 2,500 fans were allowed into Brighton’s friendly clash with Chelsea in August, with the pilot event being seen as a success. However, a recent rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in the UK has prompted a rethink over plans to welcome fans back to the arena, with pilot events limited to 1,000 people.
Fans are allowed back in for Brighton’s friendly clash with Chelsea in August / Steve Bardens/Getty Images
This was criticized by the Premier League, with CEO Richard Masters explaining in a statement released on Friday that he had written to the government to allow a limited number of fans to return as part of pilot tests. Express your concerns about being allowed to visit.
However, BBC Sport now reports that the UK government will meet senior officials this week to agree a plan to reopen stadiums for the return of fans. Additionally, DCMS Secretary of State Oliver Dowden will meet with stakeholders ahead of discussions with the government.
Despite the rise in cases, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage Nigel Hiddleston wrote to Tracey Crouch MP on Monday (via the BBC’s Ollie Bayliss) to limit a certain number of ‘elite sports fixtures’ from October 1. Hope to reopen for fans. Will follow government instructions.
Important news for the return of fans!
Despite last week’s announcement, DCMS is hoping to reopen elite sports fixtures from October 1.
The letter was sent to Tracey Crouch MP today by Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage Nigel Hiddleston. pic.twitter.com/lMzIG58L9T
— Ollie Bayliss (@Ollie_Bayliss) September 14, 2020
It comes after Arsenal confirmed at the start of September that they were hoping to welcome fans back to the Emirates Stadium for their home clash with Sheffield United on October 3 due to reduced capacity. In addition, the Gunners were keen to add that they will be welcoming a larger number of fans to the stadium as the 2020/21 season progresses.